Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, has officially launched the Zimmer Biomet Foundation, with its initial commitment being a partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Empowerment Programs, Inc.
The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is meant to empower diverse and underserved communities, support STEM education, foster community health and provide disaster relief. In teaming up with NAACP, Zimmer Biomet says it has “committed $2 million over the next three years to support partnered efforts with NAACP to end racial injustice and advance diversity and equality.”
This is only part of the commitment made by Zimmer Biomet in 2020 to donate at least $5 million over the next five years to non-profits focusing on anti-racism efforts and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Goals That Dovetail…
Keri P. Mattox, senior vice president of investor relations and chief communications officer at Zimmer Biomet explained the background of the new initiative to OTW. “The partnership with NAACP stemmed from many conversations among our leadership team and the broader Zimmer Biomet organization about how we could take action to advance the fight against hatred, discrimination and injustice in the wake of national outcry for change. In addition, Zimmer Biomet has a long history of actively working to address racial disparities in access to healthcare and we found a clear synergy with the NAACP.”
“As one of the leading civil rights organizations in the world, the NAACP has been at the forefront of the fight for equality through advocacy and initiatives, and we share a common goal to reduce disparities in healthcare and other aspects of society. Through this partnership, we felt that we could make a real impact and move the needle.”
And the status of progress on this initiative?
According to Mattox, “We are working with NAACP to build out the details regarding the Zimmer Biomet Foundation’s role in the NAACP Black Opportunity Index. More information about these programs will be available in early 2021.”
A New Metric
One year from now, says Mattox, “…we expect to have made significant progress in development of the Black Opportunity Index, which will serve as a valuable resource for addressing healthcare disparities and expanding medical access to underserved communities. In addition, we hope to showcase how the Zimmer Biomet Foundation’s contribution has already helped local NAACP chapters bring critical public health programs and services to those in need.”
“Zimmer Biomet’s mission is to alleviate pain and improve quality of life,” said Bryan Hanson, company president and CEO. “Through the Zimmer Biomet Foundation, we are working to deliver on that mission by funding comprehensive programs that foster STEM education, building healthy communities, providing disaster relief and addressing the inequities and disparities that still cause suffering around the world. Earlier this year, we also chose to stand with the millions in the United States and abroad who have built a united front against hatred, discrimination and injustice. By partnering with the NAACP, we have a unique opportunity to put our beliefs into action and support initiatives that show the many ways that diversity and tolerance make all of us stronger.”
“The Zimmer Biomet Foundation’s generous commitment furthers the NAACP’s efforts to dismantle racial injustice and discrimination—including the health disparities faced by Black Americans and other minority communities within the United States,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. “We believe that all people deserve equal and optimal health outcomes and access to timely, quality and affordable healthcare—regardless of their race, culture or creed. We are proud to partner with global organizations like Zimmer Biomet who share our vision of a more just and equitable world.”
The Zimmer Biomet Foundation is extending its financial resources to organizations that share the company’s commitment to healthy communities, STEM education, disaster relief and reducing health disparities. The Foundation will also match Zimmer Biomet employee contributions to all non-profit organizations. For employee dependents, the Zimmer Biomet Foundation is introducing the Zimmer Biomet Scholarship Fund, the Team Member Relief Fund and the company’s volunteer match and volunteer time off programs.
