A fund under the auspices of Alcoa awarded a grant of $75,000 to the Public Health Institute of East Iceland (HSA) for the purchase of the latest digital equipment for processing x-rays. This is the first time that Alcoa Foundation has supported a project in Iceland; the Foundation's mission is to promote better life quality of the members of the communities where Alcoa has operations. Alcoa's subsidiary, Alcoa Fjardaál, will act as liaison in Iceland for awards made by the Foundation.
The grant was formally presented at a ceremony at the Neskaupstadur Hospital in the presence of representatives of Fjardabyggd, well-wishers of the hospital and its employees. Tómas Már Sigurdsson, President of Alcoa Fjardaál, presented the grant, on behalf of the Alcoa Foundation, to HSA Director Einar Rafn Haraldsson. The money will be utilised to finance the purchase of digital x-ray processing equipment that will shorten the time required for processing and analysis of x-rays and greatly increase patient safety.
The Alcoa Foundation, which was founded in 1952, awarded total grants last year of USD 17 million. Emphasis is placed on supporting projects in fields related to conservation and self-sustainment, the safety and health protection of children and families, international education and job qualifications and corporate collaboration with the community.
Projects in the immediate environment of Alcoa subsidiaries generally have priority when it comes to grant awards. The subsidiaries generally take the initiative in selecting the projects and serving as liaison for grants from the Foundation. Through 2007 Alcoa Fjardaál will emphasise supporting projects promoting the build-up of infrastructure and community services in Fjardabyggd, where the company's aluminium smelter will be built.
