Sanofi Renews Commitment to Helping Children

This post was authored by John Spinnato, Vice President, Sanofi North America CSR, and President, Sanofi Foundation for North America

At the Sanofi Foundation for North America our focus on helping children, especially those in need, is a platform that cuts across all Sanofi businesses and positively impacts young, sometimes fragile lives. Whether targeting the medically underserved, those born prematurely, or those struggling with cancer, we continue to support those championing such noble causes.

One strong example is our relationship with Children’s Health Fund, which has cared for more than 350,000 children in some of the most disadvantaged rural and urban communities in the nation. During the past five years, our collective efforts have been a true collaboration, combining funding with skills-based volunteerism, and together making a difference for literally thousands of children at risk.

Yet unfortunately, these needs remain great, and so our work is not yet done, As such, the Board of Directors for the Sanofi Foundation for North America recently approved a continuation of our commitment.

And, given their pledge to help the Flint, Michigan community, where cost-cutting measures led to tainted drinking water that contained lead and other toxins, the Sanofi Foundation for North America is proud to help fund a fully outfitted Mobile Medical Clinic. This clinic will help children and families get tested for lead exposure and also minimize the effects of that exposure.  

Making a Difference with the March of Dimes

Children’s Health Fund is just one strong example of our investment in child-focused causes. During the past two years we have financially assisted The March of Dimes, which has a long-standing relationship with our vaccines division Sanofi Pasteur.

Since 2003, the March of Dimes’ fight to save babies has been strongly characterized by their Prematurity Campaign, based on the rising incidence of premature birth.

The donations provided by the Foundation strengthen these efforts through the purchase and distribution of supportive items for Kangaroo Care (holding a premature baby skin-to-skin). In addition, dollars were used for the purchase of hotel, food and transportation vouchers, which helped reduce barriers that prevented families from being able to spend time with their baby in the hospital.

Supporting Communities Close to Home

The Foundation’s support for our next generation of leaders also extends close to home, and addresses a variety of childhood challenges. The Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey (CSCNJ) provides psychosocial support programs to address the emotional and social impact on all people affected by cancer.

Currently there are significant unmet needs for adolescents and teens needing access to psychosocial support when they are facing a cancer diagnosis or the diagnosis/death of a family member. Through funding from the Foundation, CSCNJ established multiple support groups  in central New Jersey schools, providing students with direct access to their services. And for CSCNJ, the program has increased awareness and referrals to existing CSCNJ programs and is driving the development of long-term programming.

Here at Sanofi, these are just some of the ways that we are partnering to build healthier communities, help ensure the health of children both locally and across America, and give hope to those who may need it most.