| January 15, 2010 | For More Information Contact: Andy Van Pelt 503-479-6018 |
Haiti: NW Hospital Partnership
NW Hospital Partnership Documentation:
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Lake Oswego, Ore. (Jan. 15, 2010) --- The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) along with the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) partnered today with NW-based medical relief agency Medical Teams International to assist in their "on-the-ground" efforts to provide medical care to the Haitian people so deeply impacted Tuesday's earthquake.
"The devastation we have all seen in the region compelled us to do something significant as health care providers," stated Leo Greenawalt, WSHA president and CEO. "This partnership is a natural fit for our members to support the emergency relief efforts of Medical Teams International; we can provide the resources needed to provide the appropriate care in Haiti."
The two NW hospital associations have committed to raise $100,000 across their collective 156 hospital membership to sponsor 10 emergency medical response teams from Medical Teams International who will provide medical service in the devastated region. Each medical team requires $10,000 to cover travel, food and basic supplies for the volunteers.
Additionally, Medical Teams International has made a request to its hospital partners to provide medications for the ravaged area. Both OAHHS and WSHA have asked their members to also assist by helping to supply Medical Teams International with the medications necessary for each emergency medical response team. Each team will have enough medication for 3,000 Haitian victims.
"This is what we do best and we need to do all we can to pull our resources together as an industry and provide the critical support that is needed in these early days," stated Andy Davidson, OAHHS president and CEO. "Our goal is to raise more than our initial commitment so that Medical Teams International can focus on the work they do best, provide appropriate care, at the right time and at the right place."
ABOUT OAHHS: Founded in 1934, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) is a statewide, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon's 58 acute care hospitals. OAHHS also works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon's innovative health care industry. Online: www.oahhs.org
ABOUT WSHA: The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) is a membership organization representing 98 community hospitals and several health-related organizations. The association provides issues management and analysis, information, advocacy and other services. Online: www.wsha.org
ABOUT MEDICAL TEAMS INTERNATIONAL: Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than $1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 45 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2,600 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year. Online: www.medicalteams.org
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