PDS Health Raises Over $2M for Water Systems in Ethiopia

PDS Health, a provider of integrated healthcare support services, has raised more than $2 million in its annual campaign for charity: water, to fund long-term, community-owned water systems in Ethiopia. The funds will benefit more than 50,000 people. Through its consumer brand, Smile Generation, PDS Health mobilized its nationwide network of dental and medical practices and the patients they serve. The campaign also focused on clean water access as a foundation of long-term health.

Water Access in Ethiopia

The funding will support water systems for underserved communities in Ethiopia. For young women and girls in rural Ethiopia, access to clean water means hours returned to education and overall health.

Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO at PDS Health, said:

“This milestone is a testament to the incredible generosity of everyone who has supported this campaign across the country. At PDS Health, we believe better access to care, whether dental, medical or something as essential as clean water, changes lives. Our 17-year partnership with charity: water reflects that belief, and we're honored to continue advancing their life-changing work.”

Campaign Support Across Practices

Smile Generation used the campaign to raise awareness of clean water as a foundation of long-term health. Its network spans more than 1,000 dental offices in 24 states.

Carli Casey, director of corporate social responsibility and service at PDS Health, said:

“This campaign is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together to serve others. Seeing our patients and team members invest in a cause greater than themselves is incredibly inspiring. Their generosity is helping bring clean water, better health and new opportunities to communities around the world.”

A Longstanding Water Partnership

PDS Health has partnered with charity: water since 2009, helping fund hundreds of water projects across multiple countries and bring clean water to hundreds of thousands of people. Its campaigns have raised more than $14 million in support of charity: water’s mission. Since 2006, charity: water has funded more than 209,200 water projects across 29 countries, helping provide access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for more than 21.6 million people.

Scott Harrison, founder and CEO at charity: water, said:

“PDS Health has been an extraordinary partner for 17 years, helping bring clean water to communities around the world. This extraordinary milestone will help bring clean, safe water to more than 50,000 people in Ethiopia, creating lasting improvements in health, education and economic opportunity. We're deeply grateful for the continued commitment of the PDS Health and Smile Generation community and the impact they continue to make together.”