Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk: Katrina Health Response, Recovery, and Rebuilding Transforming

Situation

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Novo Nordisk is provide support to the Gulf Coast region by donating medical supplies, equipment, and financial resources to the recovery effort. In addition, Novo Nordisk employees in the region have given their time to the recovery effort.

Solution

To date, Novo Nordisk has shipped 65,700 trade packs, valued at nearly $4 million to more than 118 clinics, shelters and hospitals in the region. We have provided shipments through American Red Cross, AmeriCares, small independent carriers that have managed to get directly into the hardest hit areas such as Angel Flight East, and even through unlikely partners like the dLife TV program, which carried our product as a part of their efforts to help set up a pharmacy.

On the ground, Novo Nordisk employees, many of whom have suffered tremendous losses themselves, have helped coordinate product shipments, set up shelters, work with displaced physicians, transport product, and bring in refrigerators and generators to ensure there is access to our life-sustaining insulin.

As a corporation, Novo Nordisk has donated $1 million to assist in the relief effort. The money was distributed with $500,000 going to the American Red Cross, while the remaining $500,000 has been earmarked for the benefit of people with diabetes in the region. Novo Nordisk will also match any employee contributions to the American Red Cross made through November 30, 2005.

Finally, as a part of our agreement with the Humane Society which governs animal handling for company research, we are assisting in the care of animals that have been displaced and are being cared for in shelters. Employees from our Quality department will be working with the Humane Society to assist in the care of these animals.

Better Health & Lower Costs

Prior to Hurricane Rita, Novo Nordisk notified the American Red Cross that we would provide insulin to any new clinics or shelters where it would be needed. To prepare for this contingency we notified local sales representatives, and put our warehouse and carriers on call should a need for emergency shipments arise.