NEW CANAAN, Conn., June 5, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- AmeriCares, the international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, announced today that it was airlifting approximately 68,000 pounds of medical relief supplies to Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday, June 5. The airlift will consist of essential drugs, antibiotics, analgesics, medicines and medical supplies, which will be distributed on a nationwide scale.
AmeriCares' Project Director, Celina de Sola, along with several AmeriCares staff members, will work with the Agency for International Aid, a non-profit social service organization established in 1991 by the Bulgarian Parliament, to arrange and oversee the distribution of the humanitarian supplies to hospitals, clinics and other social relief centers.
Since 1991, more than 1.6 million pounds of medicines, nutritional supplements, hospital supplies, clothing, food, and personal hygiene materials have been supplied by AmeriCares to those in need in Bulgaria. Recipient facilities in Bulgaria have included a network of 17 orphanages, 21 schools, and 18 mental health centers and other social centers. AmeriCares has been working in collaboration with the Agency for International Aid since 1996.
"It is with great pride that we continue our humanitarian partnership with the Agency for International Aid for the benefit of the citizens of Bulgaria," said Robert C. Macauley, AmeriCares Chairman and Founder. "This partnership has provided, and will continue to provide, life-saving treatments to those in need."
AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that provides immediate response to emergency medical needs-and supports long-term healthcare programs for people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. Since its inception in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered more than $2.9 billion in aid to 137 nations worldwide. Please help us to continue our relief efforts by sending your cash donations to AmeriCares, 161 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 or by calling AmeriCares at (800) 486-HELP or log on to www.americares.org.
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CONACT: AmeriCares, New Canaan
Elizabeth Griffin
(800) 486-4357