The focus during this third round of funding was on nonprofit organizations in southwest Louisiana that were directly affected by Hurricane Rita. "In each of the three rounds of grants from this fund, we sought to expand the impact of community-based health care providers on the health status of Mid South residents. These two organizations meet that standard," said Necole S. Irvin, program officer, Foundation for the Mid South. "They continue to work in the recovery of southwest Louisiana and its citizens, and we are excited to support them."

These grants bring the total of grant dollars provided through The Baxter International Foundation Health Recovery Fund to $1,182,500. The first two rounds of health recovery grants-totaling $1,083,813-were previously awarded to 18 health service organizations throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The funds helped healthcare professionals to re-establish their health clinics, supply and operate mobile medical units, provide health services to communities and families in need after the hurricanes, and support innovative ideas in the community.

"The collaboration with FMS has allowed us to assist with hurricane disaster relief directly, due to FMS’ expertise in serving local communities," said Celene Peurye, executive director, The Baxter International Foundation. "This partnership furthers our objective to increase access to healthcare and make a difference in the lives of people in need."

About The Baxter International Foundation

The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., helps organizations expand access to healthcare in the United States and around the world. The foundation, established in 1981, began to focus exclusively on increasing access to healthcare in 2002-particularly for the disadvantaged and underserved-in and near communities where Baxter employees live and work.

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists healthcare professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma, and other conditions. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. For more information, please visit www.baxter.com.

About the Foundation for the Mid South

The Foundation for the Mid South is a nonprofit organization that invests in people and strategies that build philanthropy and promote racial, social, and economic equity in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The Foundation has both acquired and leveraged millions of dollars from inside the Mid South and nationally to support and expand nonprofits and leadership in the region.

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful, and timely change.

For more than 30 years, the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.