Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, on Tuesday officially launched the Zimmer Biomet Foundation.
The Foundation is a philanthropic 501(c)(3) organization that further strengthens the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering diverse and underserved communities, supporting STEM education, enabling community health and providing disaster relief. The Foundation also builds on Zimmer Biomet’s long-standing corporate support of local, global and healthcare communities, including donations of Zimmer Biomet products, medical education and training and the company’s foundational work to address musculoskeletal health disparities through the “Movement is Life” initiative, according to a news release from the Foundation.
The Zimmer Biomet Foundation also announced Tuesday a partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Empowerment Programs Inc., the 501(c)(3) arm of the leading civil rights organization. Through the Foundation, Zimmer Biomet is committing $2 million over the next three years to support partnered efforts with NAACP to end racial injustice and advance diversity and equality. This is part of the broader commitment made by Zimmer Biomet earlier this year to donate at least $5 million over the next five years to nonprofit organizations that focus on anti-racism efforts and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. It is also the first in a series of actions to support initiatives against hatred, discrimination and injustice that drive positive change both inside Zimmer Biomet and around the globe.
“Zimmer Biomet’s mission is to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. 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,” said Bryan Hanson, president and CEO of Zimmer Biomet. “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 partnership with the NAACP will include support for public health work conducted by local NAACP chapters across the country, as well as funding for the establishment of the first NAACP Black Opportunity Index, which will serve as a valuable resource for addressing healthcare disparities and expanding medical access to underserved communities. More information about these programs will be available in early 2021, according to the release.
“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, president and CEO of the NAACP. “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.”
Beyond the partnership with the NAACP, support from the Zimmer Biomet Foundation will help provide financial resources for organizations that share Zimmer Biomet’s commitment to fostering healthy communities, advancing STEM education, providing disaster relief and reducing health disparities. The Foundation will also match Zimmer Biomet employee contributions to all nonprofit organizations, another of the public commitments recently made by Zimmer Biomet.
Additionally, the Zimmer Biomet Foundation is expanding its team member programs with the introduction of the ZB Scholarship Fund for employee dependents, the Team Member Relief Fund and the company’s volunteer match and volunteer time off programs. To learn more about the Zimmer Biomet Foundation, Zimmer Biomet’s philanthropic efforts, and the company’s commitments to stand against hatred, discrimination and injustice, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com/philanthropy.
