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Organization preparing to send medicines and relief supplies for tornado survivors
Stamford, CT—AmeriCares is dispatching an emergency response expert to Joplin, Mo. to aid survivors of Sunday’s devastating tornado that claimed at least 89 lives, displaced thousands and left a section of the city in ruins. AmeriCares is reaching out to hospitals, health clinics and shelters in the region with offers of medical aid and relief supplies.
With phone lines down and other communications disrupted, sending a relief worker is the quickest way to assess the damage and speed the delivery of relief supplies, said AmeriCares Vice President of Emergency Response Ella Gudwin. The organization is preparing to rush deliveries of medicines, medical supplies, bottled water and other relief supplies to the impact zone.
“The first 48 hours of an emergency are the most critical,” Gudwin said. “AmeriCares pre-positions emergency relief supplies so we are ready to respond to disasters around the world and across the United States at a moment’s notice.”
AmeriCares routinely ships medical aid to health clinics serving the uninsured and underinsured in Joplin and Springfield, Mo. through its U.S. Medical Assistance Program which supports 300 clinics with donated medicines and medical supplies.
AmeriCares emergency response team has been responding to tornadoes and flooding in the U.S. since late April when tornadoes ripped through seven states killing 350 and displacing tens of thousands. AmeriCares responded immediately with medicines, cleaning supplies, bottled water and hygiene products for families left homeless. Since April, AmeriCares has delivered more than $1 million in aid for tornado survivors. The aid organization has also helped maintain health care services for survivors by providing grant funding to a Mississippi clinic that allows it to operate out of a temporary location while it is rebuilt.
For nearly 30 years, AmeriCares has been responding to natural and man-made disasters around the world, saving lives and restoring health and hope. Donations to AmeriCares U.S. Disaster Relief Fund will support the organization’s tornado response in Missouri.
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