Responding to Historic South Carolina Flooding

AmeriCares is rushing emergency medicine and relief supplies to South Carolina for families affected by the historic flooding. The emergency response and global health organization has insulin, pain relievers, cleaning supplies, towels, blankets and family emergency kits on the way.

The shipments are headed to three free clinics in South Carolina serving uninsured and low-income families – Christ Central Medical Care Center in Columbia, Sumpter Free Health Clinic in St. Stephen and Anderson Free Clinic in Anderson.

“We are helping uninsured and low-income residents who are often the least prepared to weather catastrophic emergencies,” said AmeriCares Senior Vice President of Global Programs Dr. E. Anne Peterson. “Many of the people affected by the storms are struggling with financial problems as well as serious health issues and will need assistance to recover.”

Novo Nordisk is supporting the response with donations of insulin. AmeriCares is also working with Nestlé Waters North America to deliver bottled water to communities with boil water advisories.

Parts of South Carolina have had more than 20 inches of rain over the past week, causing massive flooding that closed a portion of Interstate 95 and engulfed homes and businesses. There were 17 storm-related deaths reported in South Carolina and hundreds of residents still in emergency shelters as of Oct. 8.

The Anderson Free Clinic plans to distribute the family emergency kits, which contain soap, toothpaste and other hygiene products, to patients impacted by the storms, including those living in tents, under bridges and in homes without heat, electricity or running water.

“We had close to 12 inches of rain in 48 hours,” said Anderson Free Clinic Executive Director Barb Baptista. “Our patients affected by the flooding need these supplies to maintain their health and dignity during a really stressful time.”

AmeriCares is the nation’s largest provider of donated medical aid to the U.S. health care safety net last year delivering $117 million in aid to a network of clinics and health centers serving 5 million patients in need. AmeriCares made 6,100 shipments to U.S. clinics and health centers last year, delivering enough medication to fill nearly 2 million prescriptions. The program helps health care providers serving the uninsured to increase capacity, provide comprehensive care, improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients.