Medtronic Philanthropy Grants Support Local Organizations Committed to Expanding Access to Healthcare for the Underserved
Goleta, CA - January 12, 2015 - Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, Direct Relief and Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center each received a two-year $50,000 Health Access Grant from Medtronic Philanthropy in recognition of their continued commitment to improve access to healthcare. Each was nominated by a team of Medtronic Neurosurgery employees working in Goleta, CA.
The mission of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is to provide high quality, comprehensive, affordable healthcare to all people, regardless of their ability to pay, in an environment that fosters respect, compassion and dignity. SBNC provides primary health care to children and families, many who are low-income or who have no health insurance. Their team of doctors, family nurse practitioners and medical assistants provide a full range of primary medical care, dental care, and behavioral health services. They also focus on illness prevention, health screenings, wellness education and continuity of care.
Founded in 1948, Direct Relief is a leading medical relief organization, active in all 50 states and in 70 countries and is the only U.S. nonprofit to obtain Verified Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD)© certification by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The organization runs the largest U.S. charitable medicines program through a network of more than 1,200 nonprofit clinic and health center providers nationwide. It has top charity ratings, including four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and a 100% fundraising efficiency rating from Forbes magazine.
Jodi House is a community based non-profit serving survivors of stroke, aneurysm, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, and their families, caregivers, friends, volunteers, and the community at large. Jodi House's "Brain Injury Support Program" is designed to assist the brain injury survivor in successfully returning to his or her community at the highest possible level of functioning, while also providing information and referral services. The program is comprised of community integration, supported living and vocational supported services. Jodi House also links survivors and their families to various agencies that support mental wellness, continued medical care and rehabilitation, and to social services and education programs.
"At Medtronic, we are dedicated to improving the health of the world, and that starts right here in Santa Barbara," says Jeff Henderson, senior director of Quality, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs. "We invest in localized health access initiatives that support and recognize community-based organizations such as SBNC, Direct Relief and Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center , allowing them to continue and expand their great work."
Medtronic Health Access Grants are awarded in 36 different communities around the world in recognition of community-based programs and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to chronic disease care for the underserved.
About Medtronic Surgical Technologies
The Surgical Technologies business (www.medtronicneurosurgery.com) develops technology solutions for surgical specialties that include: neurosurgery; spinal surgery; orthopedics; ear, nose and throat; and surgical oncology. The business designs, develops, manufactures and supports healthcare providers with advanced surgical navigation and imaging solutions, powered surgical tools and systems, intra-operative nerve monitoring devices, advanced energy-based devices for hemostatic sealing and tissue dissection, and implantable devices for hydrocephalus management.
About Medtronic Philanthropy
Medtronic Philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
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Contacts:
Natalie St. Denis
Public Relations
+1-303-917-7772
Rich Fischer
Medtronic Philanthropy
+1-763-505-2975