Community & Giving: Leaders from the Quest Diagnostics Kansas Business Unit Visit the Joplin Patient Service Center

On Sunday May 22, a tornado ripped through the town of Joplin, Missouri devastating the area, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless. On Monday May 23, mere hours after the worst tornado in modern U.S. history, every one of the 29 employees of the Joplin Patient Service Center showed up for work ready to do everything needed to get their community back up and running. Fortunately, none of our employees were harmed during the storm, but all of them were somehow affected by the destruction. Many of our clients and patients lost their homes, their offices and their lives.

Jake Marbough, an employee of 21 years, sustained the most damage to his home. When the storm ended, he was left with two destroyed cars, four unstable walls in his home, no roof and six inches of rain drenching all of his possessions. "But my wife, children and even the dog that was outside the entire time are all safe. That's what matters," said Jake. "We are very lucky." The Patient Service Center even served as shelter to one employee, Carol Fly, who sought refuge in the basement level office as the storm barely missed her home and the office. From the Patient Service Center site, the leveled town can be seen and the path of destruction is barely a mile away.

Last week, several leaders from the Kansas Business Unit, including Business Unit Director Dr. Patrick James, Human Resources Director Rita Mohr, Field Operations Director Mike Markey, Patient Service Manager David Hollaway and Sales Director Kansas Business Unit Mel Meyer visited the Patient Service Center to relay the caring sentiments from employees across the country. "We are here to offer support and encouragement. We thank you for your continued dedication during this difficult time." Dr. James told the employees.

Even with the ruins of their town surrounding them, the employees and community seem amazingly resilient. It will take a long time for the town to rebuild but the continued support of our employees with the Quest Diagnostics matching gift to the Red Cross will help. "The outpouring of help and assistance has been phenomenal and like other tragedies - it seems to bring the best out in people." said Jake.

For more information on how to help, visit www.redcross.org.