Care Now Foundation

Press Releases

April 17, 2006

Ed Bjurstrom, Former Amgen Vice President
Launches CareNow Foundation, Inc.
CareNow to focus on providing essential healthcare for
the world’s least served

Westlake Village, CA (April 17, 2006) – Ed Bjurstrom, a former Vice President of Operations for Amgen Inc., is set to launch a new not-for-profit organization, CareNow Foundation, Inc., Wednesday, April 26, 2006 in Ventura County. The mission of CareNow is to – provide essential healthcare to the least served people in the world.

Bjurstrom’s idea for CareNow came about following a trip to Africa in 2004. “That trip was a life-changing experience for me. I came face to face with the harsh reality of the devastating affects of AIDS and other healthcare issues in Africa. When I returned home to the states, I was compelled to take action, and creating CareNow seemed a logical course of action,” said Bjurstrom.

The name CareNow was chosen because Bjurstrom wanted a name that would instantly convey the message – “action oriented organization.” CareNow’s primary focus is to find where the gaps are in healthcare in the least served populations worldwide and fill those gaps, quickly. “Our strategy is simple. We are not focused on building new buildings. Instead, our focus is on identifying the gaps currently existing in establishing community-based essential healthcare and filling them.

We work with existing medical and healthcare providers in target regions and provide what is needed to be successful. We will also develop Community Clinics in those areas without any healthcare infrastructures in place,” said Bjurstrom.

CareNow is positioned to hit the ground running, and has chosen as one of its first projects, an opportunity to partner with the Lily of the Valley Endeavor (LOVE) orphanage in South Africa. A needs assessment has already been conducted, and CareNow will provide medical supplies to the orphanage and help to pay the salaries of doctors who provide healthcare for the orphans and the surrounding community. Another of CareNow’s initial projects is partnering with World Vision to provide funds for healthcare through a Community Partnership Opportunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The organization has set a goal of initiating one to four Community Clinic projects over the next 12 months. CareNow hopes to develop strategic partnerships with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), such as World Vision, ONE Campaign and Doctors without Borders to assist and support its initial projects.

Securing funding to implement programs will be crucial to the success of CareNow. The organization will rely on generous donations from private citizens, corporations, local businesses, as well as government and private grants for its funding. Two to four fundraising events are planned during the first year. The first major fundraising event is slated for June 10, 2006 at the Sherwood Country Club.

“Approximately 8,500 people are dying of AIDS in the world everyday, and three-quarters of all AIDS cases in the world are in Africa. Sadly, less than 10% of those in desperate need in Africa infected with the virus are getting treatment. This has to stop,” said Bjurstrom. “Our hope is that CareNow will make an impact and help change these horrific statistics. We have to at least try.”

CareNow is committed to providing essential healthcare for the least served people in remote regions of the world, by furnishing salaries, equipment and supplies, and training of local healthcare providers. CareNow is about “doing.” “CareNow – DoNow.” For more information about CareNow Foundation, Inc. or to make a donation, log onto our Web site at www.carenowfoundation.org or call 1-877-254-1115.

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To schedule an interview with Ed Bjurstrom, please call Terry Marvin at 805-581-2743 or email at TMarvin619@aol.com