BETHESDA, Md., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --Johnson & Johnson JNJ +0.24% announced it has entered a multi-year agreement to be the Official Healthcare Partner of the USO. The announcement was made today during a ceremony to mark the opening of the USO's Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda, located on the campus of Naval Support Activity Bethesda, home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
"Johnson & Johnson is committed to improving the health and wellness of our servicemen and women and their families, and this unique facility will enable our soldiers to rehabilitate while surrounded by their loved ones," said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. "The direct support our heroes will receive here will have a very positive impact on their recovery and the health of the entire family in the long-term."
The Warrior and Family Center will serve as a getaway from hospital living for healing heroes being treated at Walter Reed, and their families. The Center will be critical to the healing process by promoting physical health and recreation, family strengthening, positive behavioral health, education, employment, and community reintegration. In a private ceremony yesterday, Mr. Gorsky joined former President George W. Bush and other dignitaries for the formal dedication of the Center to Prescott S. Bush, who chaired the USO National Campaign during World War II.
"As a private non-profit, we know that all we do for our troops and their families would not be possible without the generosity of millions of caring Americans and the dedication of a special group of corporate partners. Today, we are proud to add Johnson & Johnson to this very special group", said Brig Gen (ret) John I. Pray, Jr., USO President and CEO. "Johnson & Johnson clearly recognizes all that our troops and their families do to protect the freedoms we enjoy daily and they have joined us to show our deep appreciation for their service. Johnson & Johnson's support of this new center and a variety of critical programs will help build the hope, confidence and resiliency our healing heroes and their families and caregivers need to sustain them during what can be a very lengthy journey of recovery."
With more than 21-million military veterans living in the United States today, more than 200,000 additional soldiers coming home in the next year, and many more returning over the next several years, this is an important chapter in American history. There is a pressing need to serve those who have served us by ensuring they have a safe and healthy transition from military to civilian life.
Over the course of the partnership, Johnson & Johnson will support and sponsor USO programs that will offer direct aid, comfort and support to transitioning troops and their families. Working with the USO, Johnson & Johnson will provide a combination of in-kind donations to soldiers and their families, including new and soon-to-be military moms who may be far away from friends and family, as well as support programming for the caregivers who play an integral role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of those who have served and their families.
"As the world's largest and most diversified healthcare company, the values we share with the USO make this a natural partnership, and one that we expect will help to better the lives of those who have served our country," said Mr. Gorsky.
About Johnson & Johnson Caring for the world one person at a time inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 128,000 employees at more than 275 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people throughout the world every day.
About USO The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org .