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
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Related links:
http://www.DirectRelief.org
CONTACT:
Jim Prosser of Direct Relief International,
+1-805-964-4767, +1-805-617-0192
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