How George Barrett and Cardinal Health keep the community healthy

Pillar Award Finalist
George Barrett
chairman and CEO
Cardinal Health
www.cardinalhealth.com | (614) 757-7481
As a Fortune 21 health care services company, Cardinal Health has a deep-seated commitment to community efforts. As engaged by all levels of employees and strongly supported by Chairman and CEO George Barrett and the company’s senior leaders, this level of leadership support is what helps set Cardinal Health apart from other organizations.
The company’s philanthropic investments, employee involvement, product donations and the work of its Cardinal Health Foundation are focused on health and wellness. Cardinal Health works in partnership with and supports organizations that make a significant impact in those areas.
In the area of health care, the company’s philanthropy has resulted in increased efficiency and effectiveness, reducing costs and improving patient outcomes. Over the past five years, the foundation has invested more than $14 million in this work providing grants to hospitals, professional associations and collaboratives.
In the area of prescription drug abuse, Cardinal Health is working with The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy to develop, pilot and spread an awareness campaign, GenerationRx. This initiative supports the effort to address prescription drug abuse and engages Cardinal employees and customers in volunteerism that reaches tens of thousands of individuals.
Cardinal Health employees are also engaged in a wide variety of activities supporting nonprofit organizations in their communities. Through the Cardinal Health Foundation, matching funds and team grants further their impact. When employees contribute $25 or more to any approved charitable organization, the foundation matches contributions up to $1,000 per employee, per campaign year.
In the past five years, more than $15 million has been contributed from employees and the Cardinal Health Foundation to support local organizations.