Dr. Dre is making sure there is more COVID-19 testing in his hometown of Compton, California, in addition to helping with other relief efforts.
He and Jimmy Iovine gave a donation that will purchase over 145,000 meals for those who live in Compton, along with medical supplies, according to Microsoft News.
Compton’s Mayor Aja Brown issued a statement about the donation and said she hopes it creates selflessness in others. She said the money is being used perfectly as well.
“Increasing access to food and vital healthcare are some of the most important ways we can make an impact for our community in this time of need,” Brown explained.
“As issues like unemployment, food insecurity and lack of COVID-19 testing sweep the nation, I hope that this contribution will inspire others to take action, get involved and support their neighborhoods in any way they can,” the statement continued. “Even in a time of social distancing, this contribution is a strong testament to how we can still come together to support the communities we love.”
Many Compton residents aren’t able to afford COVID-19 testing and have been turned away because of it.
ABC News says that about 30 Compton residents are tested for COVID-19 every day on average, and about 10 people are refused testing each day because they lack the funds.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health releases a daily breakdown of coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County. Its latest figures, published on Monday, show there are 20,976 people who have the virus and 1,000 people who’ve died from it. The City of Compton itself has 190 residents who’ve tested positive for COVID-19.
Dre, who’s real name is Andrew Young, has given back to his Compton community before, like in 2017 when he made a $10 million pledge to build a performing arts center at Compton High School.
Dre used his money to help people outside of Compton too, as in 2013 when he and Iovine gave $70 million to the University of Southern California to build an academic program called the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation.
