Regional organizations have jumped into action to support communities affected by the global health crisis. 

Thousand Oaks biotech giant Amgen pledged up to $12.5 million to support emergency response efforts for the coronavirus pandemic, including operations by Goleta-based Direct Relief and the Los Angeles humanitarian nonprofit International Medical Corps. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic is precipitating a series of unprecedented challenges for people, governments and healthcare systems around the globe,” said Chairman and CEO Robert Bradway. “It is also a very local phenomenon presenting an acute need to immediately support community measures to slow the spread of the virus and help those directly impacted.”

The Amgen Foundation also plans to match donations from the company’s staff, as well as offering online learning programs through LabXchange and Khan Academy. 

Women’s Economic Ventures is also offering online resources for small businesses, including a webinar March 25 titled “Economic Support for Small Businesses During COVID-19.” 

Hosted by Nicki Parr, associate director of strategic initiatives for WEV, the webinar will cover the requirements of applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the Small Business Administration and other forms of disaster financing. It will be held from 9-11 a.m. via Zoom, at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2J7zZLV7TAeaHIWv2N7PSw.