IOCC Sends $1.3 Million in Medical Aid to Greece
Baltimore, MD (October 3, 2012) — Greece’s near bankrupt public healthcare system has left state-run hospitals with a rapidly dwindling stock of medical supplies and medicine, and healthcare workers struggling to care for critically ill patients. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is responding to the country’s escalating healthcare crisis with a shipment of more than $1.3 million in medical supplies destined for Greek hospitals in Athens and the island of Crete.
Through the generous support of Pancretan Association of America, IOCC and Greek relief partners will help replenish the storerooms of all hospitals in Crete with a container of more than $675,000 in medical equipment, surgical supplies, and walking aids such as crutches and walkers. A second container, supported by Pancretan Association and AHEPA, is filled with medical and surgical supplies worth more than $650,000 and headed to the capital city for distribution in three Athens-area public children’s hospitals including Agia Sophia Children’s Hospital, the largest children’s hospital in Greece with 700 beds, the General Children’s Hospital Aglaia Kyriakou with 160 beds and the Pentelis General Children’s Hospital with 380 beds.
IOCC continues to respond to the rising humanitarian needs in Greece and is working in support of local organizations to provide direct assistance. In the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, IOCC recently provided immunizations for uninsured schoolchildren to make them eligible to enroll in school. IOCC also provided more than $250,000 in medical supplies to free clinics operated throughout Greece so that thousands of vulnerable children, families and elderly without an income or access to Greece’s national health system can continue to seek basic care.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help the victims of poverty and conflicts around the world, like those in Greece, by making a financial gift to the International Emergency Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief as well as long-term support through the provision of emergency aid, recovery assistance and other support to help those in need.
To make a gift, please visit www.iocc.org or call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, MD 21297.
###
IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in North and Central America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has delivered more than $400 million in relief and development programs to families and communities in 50 countries.