A Category 5 storm, hurricane Dorian hit the Commonwealth of the Bahamas last week leaving devastation to the country - especially the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama Island. This island nation is 50 miles from the United States, with a majority population of people of African descent. We at the National Medical Association understand the true nature of the damage done to the homes, infrastructure, economy and most of all the people of this nation.
The National Medical Association is urging the United States Government to provide aid to the survivors of hurricane Dorian by granting waivers for visas to medical evacuees and the elderly who desire to enter the U.S. to stay with relatives until the island is restored.
We are currently working with the nonprofit partners below to aid in the current relief resources and efforts for donations.
Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund(for donations):
This is a 501c3 and is not affiliated with the government of the Bahamas. It is registered in Washington, DC and provides US entities with tax deductions associated with their donation.
Address: 1629 K St NW Ste 300 Washington, DC 20006-1631Hotline information: Bahamas National Hotline for Crisis Intervention, (1-242- 422-2763), available 24/7 and operated by the Bahamas Department of Social Services will provide referral to mental health resources upon request.
Locating loved ones affected by Hurricane Dorian: https://dorianpeoplesearch.com/
Volunteer Forms for individuals in the medical field and allied health professions: http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/health
Health Care Ready for supporting medical logistics:
www.Healthcareready.org - one of our trusted colleagues, Dr. Nicolette Louissaint, is the Executive Director of this organization.
For response-related requests, please email alerts@healthcareready.org. For general inquiries, please email contactus@healthcareready.org or call 866-247- 2694. Please continue to check HealthcareReady.org, HealthcareReady.org/Dorian
Additional resource information from Rep. Donna Christensen (VI):
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) International Health Commission is working with the 11th Episcopal District of the AME Church who is:
receiving financial contributions at the Eleventh Episcopal District Office (101 E Union St., Suite 301, Jacksonville, FL 32202) and electronically using Givelify (11th Episcopal District AME Church).
receiving supplies at Greater St. Paul AME Church located at 3680 Thomas Ave, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133. The church telephone number is (305) 448-2742.
distributing the donated supplies at:
Robinson-Morris AME Church located at #3 Anthol Road, Ridgeland Park West, P.O. Box SS-6973, Nassau, Bahamas. The church telephone number is 242-356-2347.
Cousin-McPhee AME Church located at Carmichael Rd., P.O. Box CR-56028, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. The church telephone number is 242-361- 0809.
Cummings-Young AME Church located at Settler's Way P.O. Box F-60145, Freeport, Grand Bahamas. The telephone number is 242-352-4156.
I.B.G. International Bodyguards Security Company Limited Warehouse located at E. Bay St., Nassau, Bahamas
Requested items include:
Generators, tarps, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid kits, dry towels, meals ready to eat (MREs), fresh water, baby formula, baby food, sanitary items, mosquito repellent and mosquito nets, hand crank can openers, can foods, cleaning supplies, gloves, portable solar panels, and eye protective wear (goggles).
Disaster preparedness and response supplies may also be ordered at http://amechealth.org/Store and shipped directly to Greater St. Paul AME Church, at the address noted in #2, for transport to the distribution sites.
Additionally, medical support is being sought out by many including the AME International Health Commission. Information about medical mission trips in partnership with other agencies is forthcoming.
The NMA stands with the people of the Bahamas and realizes that it will take years to rebuild after such a catastrophic event. There will need to be a long term commitment from the United States government, NGOs and other non-profit entities to support the people and government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as they rebuild their country after the devastation of hurricane Dorian. We will monitor the status of the relief efforts over time.
The National Medical Association is the collective voice of African American physicians and the leading force for parity and justice in medicine. The NMA is the oldest organization of African American professionals in America representing African American physicians and the patients we serve in the United States and its territories.
