Tennessee
Stamford, Conn. – December 7, 2016 – Americares is delivering medicine and relief supplies to Tennessee for families displaced by the recent wildfires. Americares is working with partner organizations in Sevier County and surrounding areas to provide respiratory medication, insulin, tetanus vaccines, hygiene kits and first aid supplies for survivors. The first shipment is on its way to Remote Area Medical in Rockford, Tenn., which is planning mobile medical clinics in affected communities.
“In this time of need, Remote Area Medical is honored to support our neighbors, who have supported us for many, many years by donating and volunteering,” said RAM CEO Jeff Eastman.
Residents were forced to flee their homes near Gatlinburg, Tenn., last week as wildfires burned homes and businesses to the ground. Fourteen people were killed, more than 100 were injured and 1,700 homes were damaged or destroyed.
“Thousands of area residents evacuated in a hurry and did not have time to pack medicines and other necessities,” said Americares Director of Emergency Response Kate Dischino. “We are helping families stay healthy in a time of crisis.”
Americares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. The organization has a long history of responding to emergencies in the U.S., including Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin tornado, Hurricane Sandy and the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes.
The organization responds to an average of 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities.
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