In the northern
towns of Shizugawa and Utatsu, Japan, the earthquake
and tsunami of March 11, 2011 wiped away everything familiar — including much
of the health care infrastructure. As an important step in rebuilding the region’s
health care system, AmeriCares recently supported the construction of two
dental clinics, bringing 10,000 survivors access to treatment.
This program
is one of several longer-term health initiatives that AmeriCares has helped to identify
and develop, working with key partners in efforts to restore health care.
In addition
to the immediate health benefits, the clinics also bring crucial jobs and a
measure of hope back to the devastated region. The husband and wife dental team
who run the newly-opened Shizugawa clinic lost their home and practice
following the quake, and spent weeks living in their car with no food and
little heat as snow blanketed the land.
Along with many professionals in the
area, the dentists feared having to relocate to find a job. Thanks to the
clinics, they can stay in Minamisanriku and provide care for their friends and
neighbors.
Our work in Japan began immediately after the catastrophe,
as our emergency response team coordinated the delivery of relief supplies and medicines to
evacuation centers and hospitals. In
August our Japan team opened an office in Sendai to serve as a base for
distributing over $8 million in aid. Now
the team is focused on targeted programs for the region, addressing specific
needs ranging from dental to mental health services. Over the next three years,
AmeriCares is committed to revitalizing and expanding care for survivors.
