Apria launches GoFundMe
By Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
Updated Fri September 23, 2016
LAKE FOREST, Calif. - Damaged homes, flooded roads and gators didn't prevent its employees in flood-devastated southeastern Louisiana from taking care of patients, so Apria wanted to take care of them.
“Our employees are there for our patients,” said Celina Scally, senior vice president of human relations. “They have had their homes damaged with flooding. They had no clothes, little water or access to food. When we see this, we need to ensure they are supported.”
So Apria launched a GoFundMe campaign to help those employees in the area. While the provider has raised funds in the past for employees affected by natural disasters, it's the first time it has used the online fundraising tool, which cuts down on paperwork and makes it easier for employees to contribute.
“They can donate anonymously or post a message to the team there,” she said. “They can donate as much or as little as they want.”
So far, donations have ranged from $5 to about $100 and at press time the campaign had raised $8,000. The provider has said it will match up to $50,000.
As a national provider—Apria serves more than 1.8 million patients through 375 locations each year—the company has protocol in place so that when a natural disaster hits, it can take action where needed, said Scally.
“What's important to me is we build awareness in our company around our members that are going through a challenging time and if there's something we can do, let's do it,” she said.
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