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Stamford, CT – In an effort to increase access to medicines and other vital relief supplies and support longer-term rebuilding, MetLife Foundation and MetLife in Chile (MetLife Chile Seguros de Vida S.A) have teamed up to support AmeriCares work in communities impacted by the February earthquake. With a combined contribution of $180,000, AmeriCares will deliver lifesaving medicines, medical supplies and medical equipment to help restore local hospitals and clinics’ ability to care for patients, as well as personal hygiene items to help improve the quality of life for men, women and children left homeless by the disaster.
An estimated 2 million people have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami, and it is estimated that 500,000 houses have been destroyed. In addition, 23 hospitals have been destroyed, evacuated due to extensive damage or are operating with limited bed capacity. To address the health care needs of the hospitals, AmeriCares, MetLife Foundation and MetLife in Chile (MetLife Chile Seguros de Vida S.A) have committed to providing medical assistance to the hardest hit communities.
AmeriCares will deliver medical assistance to Angol Hospital, which lost bed capacity due to the earthquake. Support from MetLife en Chile will provide medicines for the hospital, including antibiotics; general anesthesia; treatments for hypertension, gastro-intestinal and mental health conditions; and pain relievers. Angol Hospital serves a population of 100,000 people and has been referring patients to another facility over 40 miles away. “This support will be a great help in restoring our ability to provide the health services our people need,” said Dr. Carlos Gonzalez, Director of Angol Hospital. AmeriCares is working closely with health care partners and the Ministry of Health to address priority health needs, which MetLife Foundation and MetLife in Chile will help support as communities and health care systems begin to rebuild.
“AmeriCares is so grateful for the support of MetLife Foundation and MetLife’s operation in Chile,” said Christoph Gorder, Vice President of Emergency Response for AmeriCares. “Their support will enable AmeriCares to continue our work in Chile, delivering basic medical supplies and personal hygiene items which are in very high demand. The MetLife family will play a critical role in helping to improve the quality of life for Chileans trying to recover from the earthquake and keeping communities healthy as they rebuild their homes and their lives.”
“MetLife Foundation is committed to building healthy communities worldwide,” said Dennis White, president of MetLife Foundation, “We are pleased to support the efforts of AmeriCares and its Chilean partners as they work to meet immediate needs and begin the challenging process of rebuilding.”
Víctor Hassi, CEO of MetLife in Chile, added, “MetLife has been in Chile since 2001 and is recognized as a leader in the industry. We are pleased to demonstrate our leadership and commitment to the community during this time of need and send our best wishes to AmeriCares and its local partners for the success of their important work.”
AmeriCares has delivered over $16.9 million in medical and humanitarian assistance to Chile since 1989.
About MetLife Foundation:MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants support education, health, civic, and cultural programs. For more information about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.
About MetLife in Chile:MetLife Chile Seguros de Vida S.A. (MetLife) is an affiliate of MetLife, Inc. MetLife offers group and individual life and health insurance products, as well as retirement savings and mortgage products in Chile. The company is a recognized leader in the local market positioned in the first place in life and annuity premiums as of December 2009, and distributes its products through an agency force, bank partners, direct marketing and brokers. For more information about MetLife, please visit the company’s website at www.metlife.cl.
About AmeriCares:AmeriCares is a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization which delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in need around the world and across the United States. Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $9 billion in humanitarian aid to 147 countries. For more information, log onto www.AmeriCares.org.
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