Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) Awards Nearly $3 Million to Non-Profit Organizations

--15 new grants extend the impact of RMHC by providing children access to quality care and basic needs in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States--

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) announced the awarding of 15 new grants totaling $2.9 million to support non-profit organizations making an immediate, positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children in the areas of health prevention and promotion, clinical treatment and education in various countries around the world.

"Today's children face a range of health problems, from malnutrition to malaria to HIV/AIDS.  While the prevalence of problems varies by region, one thing remains clear: the need to help the world's children is an ever-present endeavor.  Through its global grants program, Ronald McDonald House Charities has made a measurable impact in improving the health and well-being of children," 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 recognizes the important role their organization can play in addressing gaps in critical care and support for children and families through the financial support of other non-profit organizations, in addition to the core programs and services their Charity offers.  With the economic uncertainty and in underdeveloped countries, the needs of children continue to grow.  Only working together and leveraging our collective resources can non-profit organizations and foundations truly make a difference," said Susan Hayes, president and CEO, Interplast.

A list of grantees, program focus and geographic reach are provided below:

Improving hygienic behaviors and expanding access to clean water and sanitary latrines:

• Curamericas Global: Liberia
• Duke Global Health Institute: Uganda

Implementing mobile dental units to increase access to health care:

• East Meets West Foundation: Vietnam
• Ecuadent Foundation: Ecuador

Learning centers for health education and counseling programs:

• Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: Swaziland
• Fabretto Children's Foundation: Nicaragua
• Feeding America: U.S.A.
• Interplast: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Ghana, Zambia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru
• Street School Network: U.S.A.

Sustainable Community Development and Healthcare Infrastructure:

• Georgetown University: Honduras
• INMED Partnerships for Children: Peru
• Lwala Community Alliance: Kenya
• Partners in Health: Rwanda
• Project CURE: Ethiopia, India, Nicaragua and Uganda
• Helping Hands in Africa: South Africa

Since 1974, RMHC has been part of the solution in bridging access to health care globally. Today, the Charity serves well over four million families every year through its core programs: Ronald McDonald House(R), Ronald McDonald Family Room(R) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(R), in addition to the children served through the support of other not-for-profit organizations.

RMHC is able to fulfill its mission to improve the health and well-being of children because of dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and strong partnerships with the medical community who bring with them a rich diversity of thought, experiences and culture.  These relationships have been nurtured and grown over 35 years of history. Because of these relationships and collective support, RMHC seeks to be part of the solution helping to eliminate many of the barriers that prevent families and children from getting the care they need and ultimately, expand the Charity's capacity to change children's lives around the world.

About RMHC(R)

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Families and children being cared for at seventy-three percent of the most prestigious children's hospitals in the world benefit from one or more of the RMHC core programs. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most -- right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in 53 countries and regions and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House(R), Ronald McDonald Family Room(R) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(R). RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs around the world. These programs and grants provide a bridge to quality health care and gives children what they need most to heal; their families.

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities