by
Brendon Nafziger, DOTmed News Associate Editor | March 15, 2011
Device manufacturers Medtronic and Abbott have pledged millions to help Japan after a 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami Friday killed thousands.
Medtronic Inc. of Fridley, Minn. pledged $1 million in direct grants to organizations aiding relief efforts, employee matching grants and product donations.
Abbott Laboratories of Abbott Park, Ill. said it will provide $3 million to the Japanese Red Cross and the charity AmeriCares through its philanthropic wing, the Abbott Fund.

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Want to help? Relief agencies say what they most need right now is cash. An easy way to make a donation to groups delivering aid on the ground is to text the words "Japan" or "Quake" to 80888 to donate $10 to the Salvation Army. Or text "RedCross" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross, which is working with its Japanese counterpart to help survivors.