Here's Why We're Supporting the CDC Foundation as Our Featured Cause
April 16, 2020 by Tiffany Douglas
Currently, the world faces an international challenge with the spread of coronavirus. In the United States, the virus has surfaced in all 50 states. As the number of infected climbs, support for organizations in the fight is more important than ever. The CDC Foundation is one such organization that is bringing the fight to COVID-19.
This month and for several weeks ahead, CouponCause is dedicated to the CDC Foundation as our featured cause. As the featured cause, the CDC Foundation will receive a portion of all sales through June as a donation.
Here is what a donation to the CDC Foundation currently goes towards.
How the CDC is Fighting COVID-19
Everyone knows that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an important part of ensuring the safety and health of American citizens. When a new disease, virus or health threat emerges in the United States, the CDC is at the very frontlines.
The CDC is a branch of the federal government headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. During the coronavirus outbreak, the CDC has been busier than ever. Here is how the CDC is fighting coronavirus:
- Supporting laboratories and scientists
- Sending response teams to affected regions
- Assisting local communities to prevent, detect and respond to COVID-19
- Assisting communities most vulnerable to infection
- Raising public awareness and improving education on the virus
- Improving existing and developing new clinical tools
- Responding to urgent needs as they arise
These are all important efforts in navigating the current crisis and they all require funding. That's where the CDC Foundation comes in.
What's the Difference Between the CDC and the CDC Foundation?
The CDC and the CDC Foundation are very closely tied. The CDC was originally founded in 1946, following World War II. It wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 1995, that the CDC Foundation was launched.
The CDC Foundation was launched by Congress with a clear purpose - provide a method of funding for the CDC free from the bureaucracy of Washington. Private citizens and corporations can make direct donations to the CDC Foundation. In times of emergency, the CDC can withdraw money from the CDC Foundation's "Emergency Response Fund" for support of necessary measures. The pandemic status of COVID-19 demands a stiff response from the CDC and as a necessity, funds from the Emergency Response Fund are being used.
So far, the CDC Foundation has received a lot of help from some notable names. Here are a few examples of major organizations who have donated towards the fight against COVID-19:
- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation donated $1 million to the coronavirus fight in January
- Lysol made a $2 million match donation in March
- Facebook matched up to $10 million in donations in March
The CDC Foundation accepts donations from corporations and private citizens. If you're able to make a donation during this time, you can submit it here. For those looking to stay informed on the latest developments regarding coronavirus and CDC efforts to slow it down, click here.