SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire-USNewsire/ -- U.S. corporations
providing critical medicines and supplies to help victims of the Cyclone
Nargis in Myanmar are relying upon their long-time partner, Direct Relief
International, to ensure that the aid will reach the people and organizations
who need it most.
"It's important to remember the complete story of the humanitarian effort
directed at Myanmar starts with the people and organizations that provide the
supplies that will be used on the ground," says Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief
president and CEO. "It's their generous contributions that enable us, and the
field clinics we work with, to help more people."
Direct Relief is currently planning to airlift more than $200,000 worth of
medical aid to the region, thanks to contributions from Abbott, Bristol-Myers
Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, the Johnson & Johnson family of companies,
MedVantx, Mylan Laboratories, Midmark and Sappo Hill Soapworks. Also, thanks
to a partnership with Google, Direct Relief has collected more than $60,000 in
contributions, 100 percent of which will go to provide aid and support for
cyclone victims.
As for the corporate partners, it's Direct Relief's unique connections to
clinics and field staff in country throughout the world that make it easy for
them to get involved in relief efforts.
"Abbott is working with partners such as Direct Relief to deliver
life-saving medicines and nutritionals needed to meet the urgent health needs
of the people of Myanmar," said Cathy Babington, president of Abbott Fund.
Tighe says Direct Relief's Asia program officer is currently on route to
Thailand to explore logistics avenues and conduct a needs assessment, adding
that the response from Direct Relief's corporate partners has been so great
that he expects the planned airlift to be the first of many. Included in this
first aid package are basic antibiotics as well as needed medical supplies
specifically requested by health clinic partners in the region.
Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the
quality of life for people victimized by poverty, disaster and civil unrest.
It is a non-sectarian, non-governmental and entirely privately funded. All
programs are provided in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to
political affiliation, religious belief, or ethnic identity. One hundred
percent of all cash donations go to programs, and not to administration or
fundraising. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, it was founded in
1948.
SOURCE Direct Relief International
Jim Prosser of Direct Relief International, +1-805-964-4767, +1-805-617-0192
