PQMD Members Continue to Respond to Hurricane Dorian’s Destruction in the Bahamas
The Bahamas experienced the hardest hit from Hurricane Dorian as a Category 5, slow moving storm that stayed over Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands for two days. The death toll is currently over 50 and is expected to rise. At least 4,500 people are still missing, 4,000 have been evacuated from Abaco and 2,000 people are currently being sheltered in Nassau. The islands have limited electricity, cell phone access and access to food and other supplies.
PQMD members continue to respond to the devastation in the Bahamas.
Abbvie, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Boehringer-Ingelheim, CMMB, Eli Lilly and Company, and Tanner Pharma Group are donating supplies and/or providing cash donations to the Bahamas and partner organizations. Johnson & Johnson offered $175,000 in cash grants to 6 partners (including 5 PQMD members). Henry Schein Inc. donated $25,000 with up to $25,000 matching and in-kind products worth $150,000. Merck & Co., Inc. has committed $300,000 and is working on product donation requests as partners submit them.
Americares has activated an emergency medical team assigned to a shelter in Nassau that is currently housing over 400 evacuees. They are also working to mobilize shipments of medicine and medical supplies.
Direct Relief is the main supplier of emergency medical supplies with 10 tons of medical supplies having been delivered to Abaco, Grand Bahamas, and the Ministry of Health in Nassau. Donated items include insulin, refrigerators, antibiotics, respiratory medicines, analgesics, IV fluids, and personal hygiene items,
Heart to Heart International is operating out of Treasure Cay in Abaco. They have sent medical teams with three doctors and five nurses.
IMA World Health fundraised over $150,000 and is working with partners, including Habitat for Humanity.
International Health Partners, UK delivered 18 essential health packs and is fundraising to deliver 60,000 treatments.
International Medical Corps has 26 responders on the ground. They have conducted assessments and are providing health support and medical screenings.
IsraAid is working with UNICEF and has two teams on the ground in Freeport and Nassau. They are providing psychological first aid to teachers and distributing hygiene supplies.
Project Hope is distributing medical supplies, water, relief supplies, and hygiene kits in Abaco. They are partnering with Atra to distribute supplies in Grand Bahamas, including hygiene products and food services.
PQMD is grateful to its members for their response to the humanitarian crisis in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian.
