HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA), a leading healthcare provider in the U.S., has announced a $1 million donation to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina through community organizations.
On September 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, impacting over four million people across the Southeast with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina. The storm resulted in loss of life, extensive damage, and significant power outages. HCA Healthcare, which operates seven hospitals in western North Carolina and employs many local colleagues affected by the storm, is responding with substantial financial support.
HCA Healthcare will donate $250,000 to the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County for immediate disaster response and long-term support for flood victims. An additional $250,000 will be allocated to the American Red Cross of North Carolina to assist its shelter locations. The remaining $500,000 will go to various community partners providing direct support for hurricane-related issues.
“Our greatest calling at HCA Healthcare is to care for those in need, and I’m inspired by the resilience of our colleagues,” said Sam Hazen, CEO of HCA Healthcare. “We are honored to support organizations like United Way and the American Red Cross to aid our western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene.”
Prior to the storm, HCA Healthcare activated its Nashville-based Enterprise Emergency Operations Center (EEOC), which includes nearly 200 leaders from various disciplines. The EEOC is working with hospital leadership to ensure resources are distributed to care teams across the Southeastern U.S. Over 100 nurses and other healthcare professionals from HCA Healthcare are on the ground to support local caregivers.
As a longtime partner of the American Red Cross, HCA Healthcare contributes $500,000 annually through its Annual Disaster Partner Giving Program. Over the past eight years, the organization has provided nearly $8 million for disaster relief, assisting during events such as Hurricane Harvey, Hurricanes Florence and Michael, and recent flooding incidents.
“I am proud of our colleagues’ dedication during this time of immense destruction,” said Greg Lowe, President and CEO of Mission Health. “We are committed to supporting our team, just as they have tirelessly served our community.”
Additionally, HCA Healthcare has established the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund, a charity that provides financial aid to employees affected by disasters, extended illness, or injury. Since its inception, the fund has granted over $110 million to more than 56,000 colleagues and their families.
About HCA Healthcare
HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, is one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, operating 188 hospitals and approximately 2,400 care sites across 20 states and the UK. Since its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare has developed a model for patient-focused care, leveraging resources to enhance hospital services and improve medical practices. The organization conducts clinical studies aimed at advancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes, utilizing over 43 million patient encounters each year to inform its practices.
