We want to share with you an update on how we’re navigating the COVID-19 pandemic globally and in the U.S. Things are changing but our shared efforts to save and change lives where needs are greatest will carry on.

As a frontline global health organization with more than 50 years’ experience, including partnering with local, national, and global health authorities and infectious disease response, we are addressing the COVID-19 emergency with the utmost seriousness and urgency.  The health and wellness of our staff, partners, and the millions of people we work with in 23 countries is our greatest priority.

We’ll be filling you in on those needs in the coming days and how you can support our efforts to help safeguard community health and limit the impact of the virus on already vulnerable men, women and children. This includes countries where the rate of infection is on the rise, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, and Pakistan.

This crisis will require the mix of humanity, compassion, practicality, and innovation you expect of us, and we will rise to the challenge, together. Of course, the massive and urgent needs in the communities where we work will persist. So even though we may have to change our approach, we will not let up – especially as the risks increase in those communities.

Equally important is the health and wellness of our community of loyal and generous supporters, so we are monitoring the situation in real time to determine potential impact on upcoming events.

We have activated a global organizational task force and are restricting all non-essential travel to high-risk countries and U.S. states and counties that have declared a Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19. Similarly, we will observe public gathering restrictions instituted by local, state, and federal authorities, and we pledge to communicate with all of our supporters and event participants in a timely fashion should the need to cancel, re-schedule, or re-imagine events arise.

These decisions will be made in the coming weeks, and we will be reaching out on a regular basis to report on developments.  Most importantly, there will still be ways for you to make the same impact on the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.  We look forward to sharing some of these opportunities with you soon.

With deepest gratitude and good wishes to you and your loved ones,

Colleen Kelly
CEO
Concern Worldwide US