AmeriCares and Boeing delivered a shipment of medical aid and humanitarian relief to help disaster survivors in Chile, where thousands of people are recovering from the 8.8-magnitude earthquake.

An estimated 2 million people are affected by the impact of the earthquake and tsunami and it is estimated that 500,000 houses have been destroyed.  To address the health care needs of hospitals destroyed in the disaster and meet urgent personal hygiene requests, AmeriCares and Boeing have teamed to deliver critical supplies. 

The shipment includes 11,500 pounds of medical supplies, including bandages and masks to protect against dust and debris; personal hygiene items to prevent infection and disease; as well as flashlights and water containers to carry safe drinking water.

"AmeriCares partnership with Boeing is instrumental in delivering aid to people in need after a disaster," said Christoph Gorder, Vice President of Emergency Response for AmeriCares.  "This shipment will carry basic medical supplies and personal hygiene items which are in very high demand in Chile; and are essential for improving the quality of life for Chileans trying to recover from the earthquake.  They will keep families healthy as they rebuild their homes and their lives."

The shipment will be delivered to AmeriCares partner in Chile, FEDES (Fundación Educativa para el Desarrollo Económico y Social).  FEDES is a nonprofit organization focusing on the promotion of human development and the distribution of humanitarian aid. AmeriCares delivery to FEDES will be distributed to their extensive network of beneficiaries in the Maule and Bio Bio regions of Chile, both of which were severely damaged in the earthquake.

"We are honored that so many organizations have offered to help deliver these much needed supplies to two of the hardest hit regions in Chile," said Stephen Taylor, president of Boeing Business Jet, who accompanied the delivery to Santiago, Chile.