SANTA BARBARA, CA, CALIF., April 11, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its ongoing typhoon recovery efforts in the Philippines, medical aid organization Direct Relief announced Thursday a partnership with Philippine-based nonprofit Health Futures Foundation, Inc. to build and equip three new health stations that will provide essential care for 50,000 residents of rural communities in Samar.
Philippines Secretary of Health, Dr. Enrique Ona was present at the ceremony in which the official agreement was signed to further strengthen the country's health care system as the island nation builds back from the typhoon that affected more than 11 million Filipinos. The partnership will also support a three-year education course for barangay health workers as well as provide medical, dental, and psychosocial support for survivors.
"The people of Eastern Samar suffered immeasurable losses and so it is with great pride that I announce the partnership between Health Futures Foundation and Direct Relief to begin the restoration of health services in three of the most devastated barangays in this region," said Health Futures President and former Secretary of Health, Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan.
Health Future's banner program, Alay Sa Ginhawa at Kalusugan (ALAGA KA), works in partnership with local government units, the business sector, and civil society to strengthen the Philippine health care system. The three new health stations will be constructed in Marabut, Quinapondan, and Salcedo.
"Direct Relief is pleased to join with Health Futures on this critical effort to assist people in Eastern Samar who took an extremely hard hit and suffered tremendous losses," said Direct Relief's Andrew MacCalla, Director of Emergency Response. "This is a perfect way to use the generous support Direct Relief received after the typhoon for the long-term benefit of people and communities that need help."
In total, Direct Relief has shipped nearly $12 million worth of medical material aid to over 100 health care facilities in the Philippines since Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) hit in early November.
About Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a leading medical relief organization, active in all 50 states and in 70 countries and is the only U.S. nonprofit to obtain Verified Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD)© certification by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The organization has been among the world's largest medical suppliers in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, has top charity ratings, including four-star and "top-notch" rating from Charity Navigator, and a 100% fundraising efficiency rating from Forbes magazine. Among other distinctions, Direct Relief was the 2011 winner of the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation and received the 2013 President's Award from ESRI. For more information visit www.DirectRelief.org .
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Kerri Murray, (805) 452-7599
