Joe Becker, Senior Vice President, Preparedness and Response, The American Red Cross

At Merck, we aim to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we work and live by supporting a wide range of charitable, educational and environmental initiatives. Since 1958, The Merck Company Foundation has supported the work of The American Red Cross, which responds to more than 70,000 disasters each year.

Here is a discussion with Joe Becker, Senior Vice President, Preparedness and Response, The American Red Cross, on the value of the partnership between The Merck Company Foundation and the American Red Cross.

• Q: What has been the impact of the support your organization has received from The Merck Company Foundation?
• JB: The Merck Company Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross, providing help to our neighbors around the corner, across the country, and around the world during times of need.
  
  The Merck Company Foundation’s commitment to our Annual Disaster Giving Program helps the Red Cross secure a reliable funding base, enabling us to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster anywhere across the country, regardless of cost.
  
  In addition, The Merck Company Foundation donated $1 million dollars to the 2004 Tsunami relief efforts and another $1 million n response to Hurricane Katrina, providing help and comfort to hundreds of thousands of people all around the world.
• Q: How has Merck Company Foundation support helped the American Red Cross create sustainable solutions that address critical societal needs?
• JB: Data is showing that disasters are growing in both intensity and frequency. The Merck Company Foundation understands the equal importance of disaster readiness and response. Their support of our Annual Disaster Giving Program, as well as their support of a local Red Cross chapter, the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey, ensures that the Red Cross can continue to build our capacity locally and nationally to be able to respond to the needs of people affected by disasters.
• Q: What is the value to your organization of your partnership with The Merck Company Foundation?
• JB: The Merck Company Foundation has been a stalwart partner of the American Red Cross. We are enormously grateful for their support and look forward to a continued partnership. The mission of the Red Cross can only be carried out with the support of caring and compassionate people, corporations and foundations, such as The Merck Company Foundation.