For Immediate Release
May 27, 2020
Amistad Receives Grant from Communities
Foundation of Texas to Support COVID-19 Patient
Transportation Services
Donation stems from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas’ COVID-19 Collaborative Grant Fund
El Paso, Texas – Today, Amistad announced it was awarded a $3,000 grant by the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) through funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to help with COVID-19 relief efforts.
The grant funding is part of a $1 million donation from BCBSTX’s COVID-19 Collaborative Grant Fund to CFT to support community foundations and nonprofits throughout Texas providing critical services such as personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders, childcare for first responders and healthcare professionals, and services for senior adults, including meal and grocery delivery.
In support of the City’s and County’s COVID-19 relief efforts, Amistad has been providing its transportation services to persons who are positive (or presumed to be positive) for COVID-19, to drive-through testing facilities. In providing these services, Amistad has alleviated the El Paso Fire Department as they can remain available to respond to emergencies.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we are receiving from Communities Foundation of Texas and BCBSTX,” said Andrea Ramirez, Associate CEO. “This grant will allow us to further provide essential services to our most vulnerable population during this difficult time.”
This grant will provide the Amistad COVID-19 Response Team with additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, gowns and face shields, as well as proper cleaning and sanitizing supplies to clean the vehicles after each trip.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important to support the areas where our communities need it the most, which is why we established the Collaborative Grant Fund,” said Dr. Dan McCoy, president of BCBSTX. “Through these grants, we are working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most impacted by the emerging health, economic, and social impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For more information and eligibility on Amistad transportation services, please contact us at 915-532-3415.
Since 1976, Amistad staff and supporters have helped the elderly, persons-at-risk and persons with disabilities lead rewarding lives. We are advocates and service providers for the most vulnerable members of our community, always mindful that each client deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
Media Contact:
Vianey Esparza
Community Relations Manager
O: 915.532.3406 | C: 915.205.2525
[email protected]
Project Amistad is a not-for-profit 501 c 3 agency providing services to elderly residents, persons with disabilities and adults-at-risk.
