Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System and its subsidiary Health Alliance Plan have kicked off efforts to raise and donate $100,000 to the Flint, Mich., community impacted by the water crisis.
The city faces a water crisis due to using water contaminated with lead from the Flint River. President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for Flint in January.
The funds will be raised in part by donations from Henry Ford and HAP's combined 23,000 employees and also by corporate contributions. The money will be directed to United Way of Genesee County and the Flint Child Health Development Fund.
"Our employees asked what they can do to help," Wright Lassiter III, president of Henry Ford Health System and interim CEO of HAP, said in a statement. "Their response to the situation was overwhelming. That concern and eagerness to give is really inspiring."
Both organizations make an effort to help the communities they serve, including Flint, Mr. Lassiter said in a statement. HAP in particular has strong ties to Flint, though it is headquartered in Detroit. It recently completed a merger with Flint-based HealthPlus.
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