Letterkenny-based multinational firm Optum has pledged €22,500 to provide urgent assistance to Blood Bike Northwest’s Covid-19 response.
The donation was made to support Blood Bike volunteers as they provide free transport services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Motorcyclists with the charity have been delivering test kits and samples to laboratories from HSE hospitals and medical centres, hospices and other medical facilities.
Optum’s partnership with Blood Bike Northwest is part of UnitedHealth Group’s previously announced initial US $10 million commitment to fight COVID-19 internationally in countries where the company’s UnitedHealthcare and Optum businesses operate.
“I am delighted that Optum is able to make this generous donation at a time when people are impacted most and charities are finding it difficult to fundraise. Blood Bike is doing critical work across the country,” said Padraig Monaghan, chief executive officer of Optum Ireland.
Andrew McGovern from Blood Bike Northwest commented: “Blood Bike Northwest is committed to providing free, rapid response medical transport services to HSE Hospitals, medical centres, hospices and other medical facilities.”
“Our health care workers need us now more than ever, so we can’t thank Optum enough for their generous contribution.”