Heart to Heart International Responds to Crisis in Pakistan

OLATHE, Kan., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- An estimated 20 million people in northwest Pakistan have been displaced by the worst flooding in decades. In response, Heart to Heart International has already sent an initial shipment of aid valued at $150,000 (U.S. wholesale) through its humanitarian partner, International Medical Corps (IMC), and more aid is on the way.

"We are mobilizing as much aid as possible to address health needs throughout this disaster zone," said Andre T. Butler, Chief Executive Officer, Heart to Heart. "We are working with our humanitarian partners in the region to expedite shipments of medicine and supplies to those most in need. We're also sending our Ready Relief Box™ to multiple partners, so they can bring aid to those who haven't been able to evacuate their towns and villages. It's really a race against time."

Heart to Heart is focusing on providing medicines that combat water-related diseases, wound-care supplies, hygiene products that fight the spread of disease-carrying germs, and multi-vitamins for displaced women and children. IMC and other relief partners in affected regions have requested the Heart to Heart Ready Relief Box™ — a portable pharmacy that provides up to 500 treatments per box — in order to provide medical care for displaced people in isolated communities. The organization is preparing to send 10-15 boxes this week and several more boxes over the next 2–3 weeks to provide ongoing aid.

FedEx has generously agreed to ship all Heart to Heart International aid free-of-charge to affected regions. Several other donors have come alongside Heart to Heart to assist in the rapid response, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Johnson & Johnson.

People interested in supporting Heart to Heart International's relief efforts may give online at hearttoheart.org, call toll-free 866-341-GIVE, or mail checks to 401 S. Clairborne, Suite 302, Olathe, KS 66062. All financial gifts are tax-deductible.

Heart to Heart International is a global volunteer movement that is improving health in underserved communities around the world. Since its founding in 1992, Heart to Heart International has delivered aid worth $850 million in U.S. wholesale value to more than 100 countries, including the United States. The organization was included by Forbes.com on its prestigious list of "America's 200 Largest Charities" for the past three years and was recognized in 2009 as one of the top nonprofits in the categories of donor efficiency and charitable commitment. For more information on programs and ways to get involved, visit www.hearttoheart.org.

SOURCE Heart to Heart International