Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 3, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Utah today announced Ultradent Products has donated more than $50,000 to support the organization’s global relief efforts. The American Red Cross responds to international disasters by sending trained emergency disaster responders, communications and information management specialists, pre-positioned relief supplies from their global warehouses, as well as financial support.
“This donation will be used to help those still affected by the earthquakes, in addition to migration crises, health epidemics, and military conflicts around the world,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “This level of contribution helps us continue to provide services to many victims of catastrophe who have a long road to recovery.”
Ultradent Products works to improve the quality of life and health of people in Utah, across the country, and around the world through financial donations and charitable programs, and recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria inspired their latest Red Cross donation.
“We saw the need and wanted to help the American Red Cross support the many people in those countries surrounded by devastation,” said Dirk Jeffs, President and CEO of Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. “Ultradent is founded on the core principle of improving oral health globally. Our valued partnership with the American Red Cross and their continued stewardship worldwide allows us to improve the circumstances of people across all borders.”
The generous cash gift from Ultradent allows the American Red Cross to respond quickly to people who need it most, Lafranca said. “One of the most impactful ways we can support international emergencies is through financial donations. Cash enables the local Red Cross organization in the affected country to address the most immediate needs, such as providing food and water or repairing damaged homes,” Lafranca said. “When used to purchase relief supplies, cash reduces the time and cost of delivery to affected areas. It also stimulates the local economy, which is often undermined by a disaster.”
Help people affected by disasters
Whether it’s earthquakes, storms, or countless other crises, donations to American Red Cross Disaster Relief make a difference. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. To donate any amount, visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.