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Stamford's AmeriCares Sends Medical Aid To Ecuador After Massive Quakes

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Three tons of medicine and medical supplies from Stamford-based AmeriCares have arrived in Ecuador to resupply hospitals and clinics damaged by the country’s worst earthquake in decades.

An AmeriCares relief worker conducts a needs assessment at Hospital Napoleon Davila Cordova in Chone, Ecuador, where patients are receiving treatment in the parking lot.

An AmeriCares relief worker conducts a needs assessment at Hospital Napoleon Davila Cordova in Chone, Ecuador, where patients are receiving treatment in the parking lot.

Photo Credit: Abi Schultz/AmeriCares

The shipment, valued at nearly $1.8 million, arrived this weekend in Guayaquil.

AmeriCares immediately deployed an emergency response team from the United States to assist relief efforts and assess health needs in the aftermath of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake.

To date, 660 people have died and more than 30,000 survivors have sought medical attention since the April 16 disaster and aftershocks.

Thirty-five health care facilities have been reported damaged or destroyed, 14 of which are inoperable, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

The shipment from AmeriCares includes critically needed medicine and medical supplies such as antibiotics, cardiovascular medications, crutches, wound care supplies and pain relievers.

All of the products included in the shipment were donated by pharmaceutical companies and distributors, and will support health facilities treating survivors.

AmeriCares is partnering with Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, the country’s largest NGO, to distribute the aid to medical facilities in affected areas.

“One of the hospitals we saw is completely inoperable; the staff is treating survivors out of tents in the parking lot,” said AmeriCares Director of Emergency Response Kate Dischino, who is leading the team on the ground in Ecuador. “Our emergency shipment will help ensure medical professionals have the tools they need to continue providing care even in the most challenging circumstances.”

The AmeriCares emergency response team has also procured supplies to treat dehydration and prevent mosquito-borne illness and assisted Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil with a distribution of food and water for survivors.

AmeriCares is also supplying medicine to U.S.-based medical teams responding to the crisis, including a team of surgeons performing facial reconstruction surgeries.

In the weeks ahead, AmeriCares relief workers will continue to provide medical resources to treat survivors injured or displaced by earthquake, restore health services in affected areas and prevent infectious disease.

To make a donation to AmeriCare's International Disaster Relief Fund, click here.

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