Americares Celebrates 45 Years of Saving Lives and Improving Health

Stamford, Conn. – Aug. 7, 2024 – Americares, the health-focused relief and development organization, marked 45 years of saving lives and improving health with an anniversary celebration at its global headquarters on August 6.

“Since its founding, Americares has been dedicated to providing critical health services and emergency aid to those in need. Today, we reflect on our journey and the countless lives we’ve impacted,” said Americares President and CEO Christine Squires. “This celebration is not just a look back at our accomplishments, but a commitment to continuing our mission with the same passion and dedication that has brought us this far. We are immensely grateful to our dedicated global staff, partners and donors, whose unwavering support makes our work possible.”

Americares was founded in 1979 by Bob and Leila Macauley—New Canaan, Conn., residents driven by a passion to help people in crisis all over the world.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons joined the anniversary celebration, along with Americares staff and supporters.

The event highlighted Americares key achievements over the years, including its rapid response to more than 30 emergencies worldwide each year, its delivery of medicines, medical supplies and health programs to an average of 85 countries annually, the $23 billion in aid it has delivered to 164 countries since its founding in 1979 and more.

“All these numbers understate the impact,” Blumenthal said during the event. “It’s not just the stuff on the pallets in the boxes. It’s the individuals who go there with the expertise and the medical skills—that contribution can’t be measured in numbers. Nor can the work that you do on long-term recovery and on preparedness, resilience, preventing the effects of future weather events or other kinds of natural disasters or health emergencies. That kind of resilience, preparedness, long-term recovery has a tremendous impact.”

Himes celebrated Americares ability to meet the needs in crisis zones all over the world while at the same time providing health care in his Connecticut district where there’s a significant wealth disparity.

“I can’t think of many organizations that are better at bridging that right here at home on top of the remarkable work that you do globally,” Himes told the staff. “That you can do that and also alleviate pain and suffering around the world is just, to me, profoundly moving.”

In recognition of this significant milestone, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued a proclamation and shared a video message celebrating Americares enduring impact. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut awarded a citation honoring the organization for its dedicated service over the past 45 years.

Simmons expressed pride in having Americares global headquarters and distribution center in her city, as well as an Americares Free Clinic for the uninsured.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am as mayor—on behalf of the entire city—for what you do for our community; and on behalf of all of us, for what you do around the globe,” Simmons said. “You’re an inspiration and I want to wish you the best of luck for another 45 years of success.”

A leader in the humanitarian sector, Americares is No. 9 on Forbes 2023 list of Top 100 Charities and a four-star rated charity—the highest possible—by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand health services; and prevent disease and promote good health. 

For more information about Americares and its ongoing work, visit sandbox.americares.org.