GlaxoSmithKline aids hurricane relief efforts - $1m and Health Care Products Donated

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) shares the nation's deep concern for residents and communities of the Gulf Coast region devastated by Hurricane Katrina. As an immediate demonstration of support, GlaxoSmithKline is donating one million dollars to the relief effort. Of those funds, $500,000 will go to the American Red Cross, $250,000 to the Mississippi Hurricane Fund and $250,000 to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. The company will also provide medicines and health care products in support of the disaster recovery.


"GSK is committed to helping in the massive relief effort that will be necessary," said Christopher Viehbacher, President, US Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline. "Our first priority is to assist the American Red Cross and state-based organizations that can directly respond to the essential needs of people in these dire circumstances."


As a health care company with a broad range of medicines, vaccines and consumer health care products, GSK is also working closely with relief organizations and government officials to donate products to the Gulf Coast region. These organizations are expert in determining how best to distribute supplies efficiently, where and when they are most needed.


Given the extensive damage to basic utility services, a number of prescription medicines such as antibiotics and vaccines are likely to be in high demand. GSK's medicines for diabetes, respiratory diseases and other chronic conditions may also be needed by patients. GSK also stands ready to donate substantial quantities of personal hygiene products such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, and nonprescription medicines.


Like many large companies in the US, GSK has a substantial number of employees, more than 1,000, who live and work along the Gulf Coast. Internal resources are being deployed to assist employees and their families in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. GSK is also responding to the desire of its employees and retirees to support relief efforts through monetary donations, which the Company will match through its Matching Gifts Program and through the United Way.


GSK has a long history of providing humanitarian relief. By quickly activating established relationships with relief organizations, such as AmeriCares and MAP International, and having warehoused products designated for donation, GSK's products reach those in need when disasters strike. Last year, GSK provided life-saving medicines to support disaster relief efforts and impoverished communities in over 100 countries, including aid for the tsunami in South Asia, Bangladesh, Sudanand hurricane relief in Central America, the Caribbean and the US.


GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.


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