$1 Million for Kaua`i COVID-19 Relief Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg Donate to Help Kaua`i

Contact: Jenny Fujita Joy Miura Koerte Ph: (808) 245-FMPR (3677) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – $1 Million for Kaua`i COVID-19 Relief Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg Donate to Help Kaua`i KILAUEA, Hawai`i, April 10 – Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, part-time residents of Kilauea, have donated $1 million dollars toward COVID-19 relief on Kaua`i for healthcare, food security, rent assistance, education, and other essential needs.

Grants have been awarded to Wilcox Hospital and Hawai`i Community Foundation (HCF) to be distributed via the Chan Zuckerberg Kaua`i Community Fund to organizations supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. A donation was also given to `Aina Ho`okupu O Kilauea.

"People and organizations are stepping up in extraordinary ways to prevent the spread of this virus and support one another. We’re grateful for all that our partners are doing, and we’re glad to support their work on Kaua`i," said Chan.

Wilcox Hospital funds will be used to purchase personal protective equipment and supplies and support general operations throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“With so much uncertainty in the world today, the generosity of Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg is an uplifting reminder of hope. This donation to Wilcox Medical Center for COVID-19 relief efforts will significantly impact our work as we fight to protect everyone on Kaua`i from this virus. It is so meaningful to our staff to know donors like Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg value all we are doing and want to help us keep our island community safe,” said Jen Chahanovich, CEO of Wilcox Medical Center.

HCF has partnered with County and State governments and their statewide network of nonprofit organizations and the private sector to determine critical needs and response plans. HCF’s four-phase process includes risk reduction and disaster readiness, rapid relief and response, recovery and stabilization, and rebuilding resilience.

“Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg have consistently supported the Kaua`i community and especially in times of crisis,” said Micah Kāne, president and CEO of Hawai‘i Community Foundation. “We are grateful for their generous and quick response to provide emergency support to those who need it most.”

Beyond Kaua`i, Chan, Zuckerberg and their companies are working to address the crisis in a variety of ways. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is helping fight COVID-19 by increasing access to testing, genomic sequencing, research, community support, and more. Facebook is providing access to accurate information, supporting relief efforts, and keeping people connected while ensuring its services run smoothly during this time of high usage. ###