Lenexa, Kansas (October 12, 2022) – Heart to Heart International (HHI) announced the receipt of a generous donation from the Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to support HHI’s work providing valuable medical care to people in Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Heart to Heart International deployed a team to Florida before Hurricane Ian made landfall and currently has teams of medical professionals providing free medical services in the hard-hit DeSoto and Lee counties. The medical teams are treating people who have injured themselves during the cleanup from the storm and people who require medications and checkups for chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and more, but can’t access their regular healthcare services.
The Glazer family’s gift will help HHI continue to provide these critical services, especially in under-resourced communities.
“The ability to access medical services is critical in the aftermath of a disaster, especially if existing medical infrastructure is damaged,” Kim Carroll, CEO for Heart to Heart International said. “By sending teams of medical professionals and mobile medical vehicles that are stocked with medicines, tetanus vaccines, and medical supplies, we are able to provide essential care to those people affected by disasters, including Hurricane Ian.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Co-Owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz stated: “The destruction suffered in Southwest Florida and the damage inflicted throughout our state will be felt for some time. It will take entire communities resiliently working together for an extended period and our family is committed to aiding in the recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless people affected, the heroic first responders and all of those helping to keep others safe.”
Maddy Langemach is a Disaster Response Coordinator for HHI who has been helping direct the response in Florida. “We have been so encouraged by the resiliency and the desire to rebuild in these counties,” Langemach said. “This gift will allow us to provide essential healthcare access to those in need as they work to rebuild their lives after the hurricane.”
Heart to Heart International is a nonprofit international health organization with its headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2.5 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States. HHI responds to natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. The organization is a 4-star Charity Navigator charity, a BBB Accredited charity and is on the “Philanthropy 400.” To learn more, visit hearttoheart.org.