Stamford, CT—AmeriCares
is dispatching an emergency response expert to Joplin, Mo. to aid survivors of Sunday’s
devastating tornado that claimed at least 89 lives, displaced thousands and
left a section of the city in ruins. AmeriCares
is reaching out to hospitals, health clinics and shelters in the region with
offers of medical aid and relief supplies.
With phone lines down and other communications disrupted,
sending a relief worker is the quickest way to assess the damage and speed the
delivery of relief supplies, said AmeriCares Vice President of Emergency
Response Ella Gudwin. The organization
is preparing to rush deliveries of medicines, medical supplies, bottled water
and other relief supplies to the impact zone.
“The first 48 hours of an emergency are the most critical,”
Gudwin said. “AmeriCares pre-positions emergency
relief supplies so we are ready to respond to disasters around the world and
across the United States at a moment’s notice.”
AmeriCares routinely ships medical aid to health clinics
serving the uninsured and underinsured in Joplin and Springfield, Mo. through
its U.S. Medical Assistance Program which supports 300 clinics with donated
medicines and medical supplies.
AmeriCares emergency response team has been responding to
tornadoes and flooding in the U.S. since late April when tornadoes ripped
through seven states killing 350 and displacing tens of thousands. AmeriCares responded immediately with
medicines, cleaning supplies, bottled water and hygiene products for families
left homeless. Since April, AmeriCares
has delivered more than $1 million in aid for tornado survivors. The aid organization has also helped maintain
health care services for survivors by providing grant funding to a Mississippi
clinic that allows it to operate out of a temporary location while it is
rebuilt.
For nearly 30 years, AmeriCares has been responding to
natural and man-made disasters around the world, saving lives and restoring
health and hope. Donations to AmeriCares
U.S. Disaster Relief Fund will support the organization’s tornado response in
Missouri.
