Meeting the needs of our community after disasters

The Foundation reserves funds for scenarios that require an immediate response, allowing us the ability to be flexible and agile when natural disasters strike.

Meeting the needs of our community after disasters
Cambia Health Foundation supports organizations and programs that promote whole-person health, typically through investments and long-term strategic planning. During a crisis, however, it’s critical that we listen to the voices of vulnerable populations and work with our partners to positively impact the health and well-being of our communities, including Cambia employees. That’s why the Foundation reserves funds for scenarios that require an immediate response, allowing us the ability to be flexible and agile when natural disasters strike.


Natural disaster relief

Most recently, the Foundation responded to Hurricane Ian's destruction by donating to the American Red Cross to aid relief operations, which included providing shelter, food and supplies to thousands of people impacted by the storm. Hurricane Ian was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in Florida. The current damage estimate is as much as $100 billion across Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Sometimes disaster strikes closer to home. In September 2020, wildfires devastated large areas of Oregon, where the Foundation is headquartered. At one time, there were 10 active wildfires burning throughout the state that would eventually devastate over 1 million acres resulting in loss of life and property. In response, Cambia Health Foundation donated to the American Red Cross Cascades Region and United Way of Jackson County, as well as organizations directly supporting the firefighters.


Rallying employee engagement

Earlier this year, the Foundation saw needs arise quickly at the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. In response, Cambia Health Foundation donated to Medical Teams International and the International Rescue Committee to address the needs of Ukrainians abroad as well as those in our communities. When employees expressed immediate desire to contribute their own support, the Foundation curated a list of five organizations that were supporting Ukrainians and our 50% match initiative amplified employee generosity even further.  

When the world was met with COVID-19 in 2020, the needs of people changed quickly and drastically. It was a scary time for everyone, but also a time when we saw an outpouring of people lifting each other up. During the height of the pandemic, Cambia Health Foundation offered a 100% one-time donation match when employees donated to one of six designated nonprofits working to ensure all Americans remained fed and healthy during this crisis. Then in 2021 the Foundation invested in the support of equitable vaccine distribution, teaming up with 118 community partners working toward equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The collaborative effort resulted in over 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots in arms.


Advancing equity for all people 

In a world drastically changed by disasters over the last few years, Cambia Health Foundation recently launched a new strategic plan focused on advancing equity through whole-person health. The Foundation will advance its vision of whole-person health by expanding access to behavioral health services for young children and their caregivers, as well as for adults over the age of 55. We will also support expanding, diversifying and training the behavioral health workforce to reduce provider shortages in our region. Behavioral health access is a pressing community need and our greatest opportunity for impacting whole-person health over the next five years. But - we don’t know what the future holds, and circumstances can change on the spur of the moment. Through careful stewardship, the Foundation continues to address the needs that arise in the wake of the unexpected.