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Stamford, Conn. – March 4, 2020 – Americares is sending medicine and relief supplies to Tennessee for families affected by the deadly tornadoes that tore through the central part of the state early Tuesday morning.
At least 24 people were killed, including children, when the second-deadliest tornado in the state’s history ripped through four Tennessee counties, leveling homes, destroying businesses and causing widespread damage. The National Weather Service survey teams report the damage in Nashville and Wilson County was inflicted by a tornado of at least EF-3 intensity. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declared a state of emergency and activated the state’s National Guard to assist with its emergency response efforts as dozens remain missing.
“The devastation in Tennessee is just heart breaking,” said Americares Director of Emergency Response Brian Scheel. “We are working closely with partner health clinics to ensure families in the hard-hit communities have the medications and relief items necessary to stay healthy during this difficult time.”
Americares has offered assistance to partner clinics serving uninsured and low-income patients in Wilson, Davidson and Putnam counties, as well as national and regional response partners working in affected areas. Americares is preparing to send prescription medication, hygiene kits and other essential relief items from its global distribution center in Connecticut. Shipments are underway for Charis Health Center in Mount Juliet and Faith Family Medical Center in Nashville.
The health-focused relief and development organization responds to approximately 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities.
Americares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. The organization has a long history of responding to emergencies in the U.S., including Hurricanes Sandy, Harvey, Irma and Maria, the 2013 Moore, Okla., tornado and the 2011 Joplin, Mo., tornado.
Donations to Americares Worldwide Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to the storms. To make a donation please visit sandbox.americares.org/worldwide