Even in the midst of implementing their own continuity of operations to prepare for the H1N1 flu, companies are finding opportunities to help those affected.  Take the following three examples:

1. Abbott has sent more than $860,000 in antibiotics, pain medication and pediatric and adult nutritionals to Mexico through its partners AmeriCares and Mexican Order of Malta.

2. Merck's Mexico office made a donation of 80,000 doses of PULMOVAX (local brand of Pneumovax to treat secondary lung infections following swine flu infection) to the Mexican government.

3. Roche donated 5 million packs of Tamiflu to the WHO, including 3 million packs in a "rapid response" stockpile that can be deployed at the request of the WHO.

There are other reports of soap companies donating hand sanitizer to airports in Mexico.

These examples of corporate citizenship in times of crisis are not isolated cases.  During every major disaster, businesses step up with cash and in-kind donations to help victims of disasters and to help communities get back on their feet. 

For more information about businesses responding to disasters, including pandemic flu, click here.