AmeriCares Senior Warehouse Associate Philip Tu prepares a shipment of Clorox bleach for the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Photo by Janay Sylvester/AmeriCares

Stamford, Conn., Oct. 16, 2014 - AmeriCares is sending 12,000 bottles of Clorox® Regular-Bleach to West Africa for frontline health workers battling the Ebola outbreak. Nearly 6,000 gallons donated by The Clorox Company was sent from AmeriCares Stamford, Connecticut, warehouse this week destined for Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The CDC is recommending the use of EPA-registered disinfectants for surface disinfection (on hard, nonporous surfaces) in hospital settings to help prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. Ebola on dried on surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops can survive for several hours. Household disinfectants like Clorox® Regular-Bleach meet the criteria currently recommended by the CDC for hospitals.

"Bleach is one of most urgently needed supplies right now. It is essential for disinfecting safety equipment and sanitizing health facilities," AmeriCares Vice President and Emergency Response Garrett Ingoglia said from Liberia, where he is overseeing the organization's response to the epidemic. "This donation will help protect health workers who play a pivotal role in containing the epidemic."

Nearly 4,500 people in West Africa have reportedly died from the outbreak, including more than 200 health workers. Close to 9,000 people have been infected and the World Health Organization warns there could be up to 10,000 new cases a week in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone by December.

"We're proud to continue our long history of providing bleach for public health issues in times of need," said Dawn Willoughby, Chief Operating Officer, The Clorox Company. "Together with AmeriCares we'll be helping fulfill crucial disinfection needs to help kill Ebola in some of the most rural regions of West Africa that need it most."

AmeriCares has been responding to the Ebola outbreak since May, providing critical safety equipment, including gloves, masks and gowns, to protect frontline health workers in Liberia and Sierra Leone. To date, the organization has delivered more than $1 million in medicines and relief supplies to the region. More aid deliveries are planned.

AmeriCares has been aiding survivors of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, political conflict and extreme poverty around the world for more than 30 years, saving lives and restoring health and hope. The organization's relief workers are among the first to respond to emergencies and stay as long as needed, helping to restore health services for survivors.

About AmeriCares
AmeriCares is an emergency response and global health organization committed to saving lives and building healthier futures for people in crisis in the United States and around the world. Every day, AmeriCares puts critically needed medicines and supplies in the hands of frontline health workers and develops innovative, sustainable health improvements in their communities. AmeriCares has a four-star rating - the highest possible from Charity Navigator - and reaches more than 90 countries every year with its emergency response work and global health programs.americares.org

About Clorox
The Clorox Company is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with approximately 8,200 employees worldwide and fiscal year 2014 sales of $5.6 billion. Clorox markets some of the most trusted and recognized consumer brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol® cleaners; Liquid Plumr® clog removers; Poett® home care products; Fresh Step® cat litter; Glad® bags, wraps and containers; Kingsford® charcoal; Hidden Valley® and KC Masterpiece® dressings and sauces; Brita® water-filtration products and Burt's Bees® natural personal care products. The company also markets brands for professional services, including Clorox Healthcare®, HealthLink®, Aplicare® and Dispatch® infection control products for the healthcare industry. More than 80 percent of the company's brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. Clorox's commitment to corporate responsibility includes making a positive difference in its communities. In fiscal year 2014, The Clorox Company and The Clorox Company Foundation contributed more than $16 million in combined cash grants, product donations, cause marketing and employee volunteerism.TheCloroxCompany.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Donna Porstner (203) 658-9579
dporstner@americares.org

Naomi Greer (510) 271-7892
Naomi.Greer@clorox.com



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