New Emergency Aid Shipped to Help Storm and Wildfire Victims

$500,000 in U.S. disaster recovery grants offered through October 31

As part of a prolonged U.S. disaster relief operation, AmeriCares delivered three new shipments of emergency aid to help storm and wildfire victims, and continues its $500,000 recovery grant program to support communities in need.On September 15, a new shipment containing 50 doses of tetanus vaccines were delivered to the Nash County Health Department in North Carolina, an area hard hit by Hurricane Irene-related flooding and wind damage. The health department will distribute the vaccines to people at risk for tetanus due to injuries sustained while clearing debris from their homes. Read about our earlier Hurricane Irene response here.Many regions still struggling in the aftermath of Irene faced record flooding when Tropical Storm Lee swelled rivers in New York, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. To help families left without water when flooding compromised local purification centers, AmeriCares delivered three truckloads containing 96,000 bottles of water to our partner in Schenectady, NY on September 13. Two additional trucks of water are pending delivery to Hanover, PA.Meanwhile, winds from Tropical Storm Lee swept through Texas, spreading 190 wildfires across the drought-ravaged state, forcing hundreds of families to evacuate their homes. In response to an urgent request from a partner clinic, a shipment of inhalers to alleviate smoke-related respiratory ailments, along with baby blankets and supplies, personal health items, face masks and protective eyewear arrived in Texas this week.

Photo courtesy of Lars Gange & Mansfield HeliflightA huge section of road in Cavendish, Vermont was eroded away during a recent storm, leaving a massive hole in the highway.U.S. Disaster Recovery GrantsOn August 31, AmeriCares launched a $500,000 U.S. Disaster Recovery Initiative to aid survivors of Irene and other recent disasters. AmeriCares is awarding grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects in the health sector with an emphasis on medical and dental care for the uninsured, mental health and psychosocial support services, as well as preparedness for future disasters.  Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, with funds available on a first-come, first-served basis through Oct. 31, 2011. Learn more about the grants program here.AmeriCares aids survivors of natural disasters, political conflict and extreme poverty around the world and across the United States, saving lives and restoring health and hope. In the United States, AmeriCares also provides ongoing aid for more than 300 health clinics serving the poor and uninsured.Read MoreDonate Now