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Hurricane Katrina News

Humana provides aid to support multi-state disaster recovery efforts following catastrophic Hurricane Katrina

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/—Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today that The Humana Foundation will donate $1,000,000 to disaster relief efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, estimated to be the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, Humana Chief Executive Officer and Humana Foundation Chairman Michael B. McCallister said, "The damage sustained by the communities and citizens Humana serves in the Gulf Coast is beyond a disaster—it is a terrible human tragedy. We are committed to help people in these areas recover as quickly as possible and pledge to them our ongoing support."

Humana will donate $500,000 to the efforts of the American Red Cross and an additional $500,000 to local relief agencies in affected communities that sustained the most property damage and loss of life. In addition, the Humana Foundation will provide an unlimited match—dollar for dollar—to all donations made by Humana associates through November 1, 2005, to the American Red Cross hurricane relief effort.

The American Red Cross said it will mount its largest relief effort in history with a goal of raising $130 million for disaster relief for victims of the hurricane. Hurricane Katrina is estimated to have caused at least $25 billion in damage—exceeding the $21 billion (in 2005 dollars) that Hurricane Andrew caused in 1992. Hurricane Katrina has left 80 percent of New Orleans under water, caused at least 100 deaths and left more than one million people without electrical power or drinking water.

"The needs of the affected communities are profound and getting worse every day," said Hassan Rifaat, M.D., chief executive officer of Humana's Southeast Region and a resident of New Orleans. "We felt compelled to come forward with an immediate gift in hopes this grant will help the people of the Gulf Coast region to recover from this catastrophic storm, and rebuild their lives and communities."

Dr. Rifaat oversees an office of 225 Humana associates working in the company's suburban (Metairie) New Orleans market office and elsewhere in Louisiana. In addition, Humana Military Healthcare Services (HMHS) has a total of 142 associates working in the Gulf Coast region states.

To donate to the American Red Cross, call 1-800-HELP NOW or visit the Web site at redcross.org.

About The Humana Foundation

The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., one of the nation's leading health benefits companies. A private foundation located in Louisville, Kentucky—the site of Humana's corporate headquarters—The Humana Foundation identifies, funds, and nurtures projects and organizations in three fields: domestic and international health, education, and civic and cultural development in communities where the company has a meaningful presence.

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