Medical Professionals Flown to Haiti Tonight to Assist with Disaster Relief
NEW YORK, NY, January 14, 2010-The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world's largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, is collecting funds on a non-sectarian basis for relief efforts following the catastrophic earthquake, the worst in over 200 years, that struck Haiti.
“Responding to the earthquake in Haiti, JDC has purchased critical medical equipment for the field hospital of the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) leaving tonight for Haiti. The equipment includes two infant incubators and ten orthopedic devices for stabilizing fractures that will provide the emergency relief team with the tools needed to save lives following this terrible disaster. The equipment will arrive tomorrow together with a 30-member team of medical professionals being flown to Haiti tonight to provide critical medical services to the survivors of Tuesday’s earthquake. JDC has previously partnered successfully with the IDF Medical Corps in Turkey,” said Steven Schwager, JDC’s Chief Executive Officer.
Cardiac surgeon Dr. Ofer Merin, Vice President of Share Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem and Chief of its Trauma Unit, is leading the IDF team to set up the field hospital onsite, in his army reserve duty, Dr. Merin is the Chief of Army Field Hospitals.
“Dr. Merin was very touched to find out that JDC will be providing assistance. He was noticeably moved when he heard that American Jewry is willing to provide assistance to an Israel Medical Team,” explained Schwager.
In addition, JDC is allocating $50,000 to Heart to Heart International, Inc. for medical aid, equipment and services to provide immediate relief and assistance to the citizens of Haiti in their tragic hour. Heart to Heart International improves global health through humanitarian initiatives that connect people and resources to a world in need. Since its founding in 1992, Heart to Heart has delivered nearly $800 million worth of aid (U.S. wholesale value) to more than 100 countries, including the United States.
JDC continues to conduct a full and rapid assessment of the situation on the ground, and is reaching out to its network of partners to determine immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas. These efforts are part of JDC's International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters. JDC and its partners worldwide have implemented similar relief efforts in more than 60 countries. Many IDP-operated programs around the world are ongoing and are helping to rebuild infrastructure and community life in disaster-stricken regions.
To Make a Contribution:
Online: www.jdc.org
By Phone: 212-687-6200
By Mail: check payable to
JDC-Haiti Earthquake Relief
P.O. Box 530
132 East 43rd St
New York, NY, 10017
Contacts:
Beth D. Weinstein/JDC/(212) 885-0820
Michael Geller/JDC/(212) 885-0838
About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
Since 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has given global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. Working today in over 70 countries, JDC acts on behalf of North America's Jewish communities and others to rescue Jews in danger, provide relief to those in distress, revitalize overseas Jewish communities and help Israel overcome the social challenges of its most vulnerable citizens. JDC also provides non-sectarian emergency relief and long-term development assistance worldwide. For more information, please log on to: www.JDC.org
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