MercyOne and Corteva Agriscience Join Forces to Increase COVID-19 Sample Testing
Des Moines, Iowa, April 29, 2020 — MercyOne and Corteva Agriscience announced that they have joined forces to fill the urgent need for the processing of COVID-19 samples with an initial focus on Iowa. MercyOne health care providers will collect the samples and deliver them to Corteva, where a small team of trained Corteva employees will process and assess the samples using the company’s sophisticated genetic screening capabilities.
“MercyOne is proud to be part of this innovation to meet the needs of our communities. Rapid test results are critical to re-open health care services and other essential businesses. We are grateful to collaborate with Corteva to leverage the strengths of both organizations and greatly appreciate the commitment of our colleagues for their ongoing dedication to meet the needs of our communities,” said Bob Ritz, President and Chief Executive Officer for MercyOne. “The testing provided through this program will initially be used within MercyOne care locations to provide confidence for our colleagues and patients.”
“I am so proud of the members of our team who conceived this initiative and are driving its execution. Our people have tremendous heart and are extraordinarily dedicated to making a difference in their communities; this is one of many great examples of that,” said Neal Gutterson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Corteva. “We are honored to collaborate with one of Iowa’s leading healthcare systems to help address this important need.”
Sample testing will begin today and is expected to continue for as long as the need remains critical. At this time there are no plans to collect samples at Corteva facilities.
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019 and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at corteva.com.
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About MercyOne
MercyOne is a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life. At more than 20,000 colleagues strong, MercyOne’s care providers and staff make health the highest priority. The system’s clinics, medical centers, hospitals and affiliates are located throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Headquartered in central Iowa, MercyOne was founded in 1998 through a collaboration between Catholic Health Initiatives (now CommonSpirit Health) and Trinity Health – two of the country’s foremost, not-for-profit Catholic health organizations. Visit MercyOne.org to find a doctor near you.