RMHC Awards $2.3 Million in Funds to Organizations That Make a Direct Impact on Children's Health and Well Being

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Mar 6, 2012) - The global offices of Ronald McDonald House Charities^® (RMHC^®) recently awarded nine grants totaling $2.3 million to fellow nonprofits working with children in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States. Through its grants program, the Charity invests in charitable organizations serving children, both internationally and domestically, that use a "train the trainer" implementation model to ensure a direct and measurable impact to the most pressing issues relating to children's health and well being worldwide. A list of grantees is provided below:

• $454,312 to Curamericas Global
• $200,000 to East Meets West Foundation
• $43,600 to INMED Partnership for Children
• $450,000 to IVUmed
• $179,800 to Lwala Community Alliance
• $627,637 to ReSurge International
• $302,400 to The State University of Iowa
• $23,000 to Surgeons of Hope Foundation
• $50,000 to Wyman Center

RMHC evaluates organizations based on their execution of past and current projects and allocates funds to costs associated with the direct implementation of sustainable, long-term projects. This year's funds will make a positive impact on the health of mothers and children in rural Guatemala and Nimba County, Liberia; increase access to dental care for children in Vietnam; strengthen local capacity to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Peru; support surgical care and education to equip physicians and nurses in Haiti; decrease infant and mother mortality rates in Kenya; bridge access to burn care through surgical outreach in India and Nepal; train local medical staff in pediatric cardiology surgical practices in Nicaragua; and decrease negative youth behaviors and school dropout rates through crucial support of adolescents in the United States.

"Today, children face a range of health problems, from malnutrition to malaria, to HIV/AIDS, to surgical conditions and physiological issues stemming from peer pressure or abuse. While the barriers and problems vary by region, one thing remains clear: the need to help vulnerable children and create lasting change for them must continue to be a priority for those who can afford to help," said Alan A. Harris, M.D., professor of medicine, hospital epidemiologist, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease, Rush University Medical Center and RMHC Board of Trustees member. "RMHC grants help families by moving donation dollars quickly through to programs serving children around the world."

Since 1974, RMHC has been part of the solution helping to eliminate some of the barriers that prevent families and children from getting the care they need by investing in longstanding not-for-profit organizations like ReSurge International. "More women are severely burned each year than are diagnosed with HIV and tuberculosis combined," said Susan W. Hayes, president and CEO of ReSurge International. "Through this partnership, we look forward to providing sustainable medical care, resources and education regarding burns to communities worldwide." Ultimately, the global grants program expands the Charity's capacity to make a measurable impact in children's lives globally.

Today, the nonprofit serves well over 4.5 million children and families every year through its core programs: 315 Ronald McDonald Houses in 31 countries and regions, 180 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 19 countries and regions and 45 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles in eight countries.

Grant proposals for the fall 2012, will be accepted in August. For more information, visit the Charity's grants page at: http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/grants/.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 54 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.