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Relief After a Deadly Storm
Read our newsletter story on recent aid to storm-affected areas in the United States.
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“AmeriCares was first on the scene to assist our clinic with aid that saved us weeks in restoring medical services. The medications and relief supplies were vitally important to people affected by the tornado. You have done the most by far for the people of Smithville.”
Marilyn Sumerford, Executive Director of Access Family Health Services.
Overview
Emergency aid + ongoing assistance = a stronger healthier future
When disaster strikes here at home, our emergency response team mobilizes immediately, reaching out to clinics in our network of 400+ partners to deliver the right aid to survivors in urgent need. But we don’t stop there: we follow up with field visits and ongoing assistance for communities in crisis.
- In 2011, a year of record-setting tornado outbreaks, devastating floods, wildfires, and storms, AmeriCares delivered nearly $3 million in emergency aid, along with more than $600,000 in disaster recovery grants to help more than 62,000 people in hard-hit communities recover and prepare for future disasters
From Hurricane Katrina, to the Joplin tornado, to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, AmeriCares has a long history of helping out here at home – saving lives and reducing human suffering.
 Aid History
Throughout 2011 - a year beset with disaster—and into the first quarter of 2012—AmeriCares coordinated with U.S. clinics partners to help survivors of 11 distinct disasters affecting 20 states to deliver:
$3 million in medical aid, including:
- Chronic care medicines for survivors suffering from diabetes, heart disease and asthma
- Tetanus vaccines
- First aid medicines and supplies
- Relief items for the displaced including hygiene items and cleaning supplies
- 1.1+ million bottles of water
$600,000+ in U.S. Disaster Recovery Grants benefiting more than 62,000 people.
After the deadliest U.S. twister in 60 years ripped through Joplin, Mo, – we were on the scene with first aid, chronic care medications, vaccines and bottled water. Later, we awarded recovery grants to help people in the shattered city build a healthier future.
After Hurricane Katrina struck, AmeriCares delivered medicines, bottled water and other relief supplies to residents in Louisiana and Mississippi, and followed up with more than $12 million in recovery grants. Our work in the Gulf Coast continues today.
Recent Aid to Oregon
Recent aid to Oregon includes medicines and supplies for people suffering from pain, injuries, gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments and malnutrition.
Recent Aid to Louisiana, Florida and Virginia
Recent aid to Louisiana, Florida and Virginia includes medicines and supplies for people suffering from pain, fever, injuries, gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments, migraines and malnutrition.
Recent Aid to Texas
Recent aid to Texas includes medicines and supplies for people suffering from pain,arthritis, fever, injuries, migraines, burns and skin ailments.
Read more about our U.S. disaster response:
Hurricane Irene
As communities along the East Coast begin to pick of the pieces in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene’s devastation, AmeriCares responded to urgent requests up and down the coast.
Read More »
Joplin Tornado
AmeriCares rushed shipments of medicines, emergency supplies and bottled water to Joplin, MO, where 161 people died when a massive tornado sliced a 6-mile swath through the heart of the city on May 22, destroying a hospital and leaving thousands homeless and displaced. Read More »
Smithville Tornado
AmeriCares launched a long-term tornado relief operation, with deliveries of medicines, humanitarian aid, bottled water and crucial supplies to help families struggling in the aftermath of epic destruction.
Read More »
Alabama and Southern tornadoes
Emergency aid went to health care providers, emergency shelters and food banks in communities affected by deadly tornadoes in the south.
Read More »
2011 Disaster Relief
In 2011, America was hit hard by disaster, including deadly tornandoes, massive flooding, wildfires and drought. AmeriCares responded immediately and has delivered over $2.7 million in aid for survivors in 13 states.
Read More »
Gulf oil spill
In response to the Gulf Oil spill, AmeriCares delivered critical medical aid to help poor and uninsured families in the region.
Read More »
Hurricane Katrina (PDF)
Today, we’re still responding to people’s needs Katrina-affected neighborhoods. We support families in crisis with charitable contributions of medicines, medical supplies and emergency relief.
Get the PDF »
9/11 terrorist attacks
When terrorists struck our nation on September 11, 2001, AmeriCares immediately rounded up volunteer doctors and nurses from hospitals and clinics in Connecticut.
Read more »
 Health Initiatives
Emergency Response: The first 48 hours of an emergency are the most critical. We strategically pre-position emergency supplies in disaster-prone areas so we are ready to respond to urgent requests for aid at a moment’s notice with first aid, chronic care medicines, water and relief supplies.
Recovery: During the recovery phase, we provide ongoing assistance, when needed, to fill health care gaps in the following areas:
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