As communities worldwide face increasingly severe natural disasters, the Johnson & Johnson Foundation has announced a $1 million donation to Americares to bolster the global health workforce’s ability to respond to emergencies. The announcement was made today during Climate Week NYC’s Hub Live at the panel discussion “Health Workers on the Frontlines: Caring for Communities When Disasters Strike,” which explored the impact of extreme weather on frontline health workers.
“September is National Preparedness Month in the United States, and this generous support ensures our team is ready before the next disaster hits,” said Christine Squires, President and CEO of Americares. “With more frequent storms and heatwaves overwhelming health systems, frontline health workers need stronger support than ever. At Americares, we are proud to partner with a company that not only responds to immediate crises but also helps communities build long-term resilience.”
Building Capacity for Rapid Emergency Response
The funding will enhance Americares’ capacity to deliver rapid disaster response and strengthen preparedness efforts through its Rapid Impact and Support for Emergencies (RISE) program. With RISE support, Americares can:
- Operate an emergency pharmacy
- Pre-position critical relief supplies
- Train and deploy response teams
- Deliver essential medicines and medical equipment
- Provide mental health support for both survivors and frontline health workers
Americares teams are often among the first to reach disaster zones, restoring access to health care and providing emergency funding, surge staffing, and direct medical services.
A Partnership Spanning Four Decades
Johnson & Johnson and its foundation have supported Americares for nearly 40 years, offering both financial contributions and product donations. Together, they have responded to dozens of global crises — from hurricanes in the U.S. to earthquakes in Haiti and Nepal to complex humanitarian emergencies. Last year, following Hurricane Helene, the Foundation played a critical role in supporting Americares’ emergency operations in the Southeastern United States.
Commitment to Climate and Health Resilience
Beyond immediate relief, Johnson & Johnson is also investing in Americares’ growing climate and health programs, including the Philippines Climate Resilience Toolkit and the Climate Health Equity for Community Clinics Program. These initiatives help prepare health workers to face climate-driven challenges such as flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires.
