BURBANK, California (October 17, 2005) – Destroyed just seven weeks ago in
Hurricane Katrina, the Coastal Family Health Center branch in Biloxi is back in
operation. Thanks to Islamic Relief, a Burbank, CA based aid organization that
purchased a mobile home and converted it into a clinic, residents of East
Biloxi have access to primary health care again. A ceremony to announce the
opening of the new facility will take place this Wednesday at 2 PM, with
Mayor AJ Holloway attending the event.
The Coastal Family Health Center’s East Biloxi Clinic and the St. Vincent de
Paul Pharmacy had both previously served the health care needs of the
indigent populations of Biloxi. These facilities were completely flooded during
the hurricane and rendered non-functional. In response to the medical needs
of the underserved populations post-Hurricane Katrina, Islamic Relief agreed
to purchase a double-wide mobile home structure to be converted into a
primary health care facility and provide basic start-up equipment, such as
examination tables. The cost of buying and installing the mobile facility was
over $46,000. Islamic Relief has also agreed to donate medicines and other
medical supplies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Coastal Family
Health Center.
Islamic Relief immediately responded to the needs of the victims of Hurricane
Katrina – one of the greatest natural disasters in United States history.
Islamic Relief has committed $2 million for Katrina relief projects, which
include working in the affected areas of Biloxi and Jackson, MS, Baton Rouge,
LA and helping displaced citizens in Houston, TX.
.
In Biloxi, MS, Islamic Relief has provided the devastated community much
needed services to cope with the disaster. Islamic Relief has distributed food,
cleaning kits, tents, sleeping bags, toys, clothes, hygiene kits and many
other goods.
The opening of this clinic is one of the first major accomplishments on the
road to rebuilding Biloxi.
The Media is encouraged to participate in the opening ceremony of the clinic.
In addition to Mayor Holloway, other attendees will include Islamic Relief’s
Katrina Response Director, Mostafa Mahboob; Biloxi Councilman Bill Stallworth
of Ward 2; Joe M. Dawsey, Director of the Coastal Family Health Center and
clinic staff and local community members.
WHAT:
Ceremony for Opening of Clinic in Biloxi
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
2:00 PM
WHERE:
Corner of Division St. & Lameuse St.
East Biloxi, MS 39530
END
Media Contact:
Mostafa Mahboob
Islamic Relief
(310) 351-0952 mobile
(714) 676-1300 office
(714) 676-1301 fax
**Notes for media professionals planning to cover the event**
Islamic Relief is an international relief and development organization, with
partner offices in 30 countries across the world. We operate a wide range of
emergency relief and sustainable development projects across the world,
including healthcare, water and sanitation, education, income generation, and
orphan support. For more information, please call or visit our website,
Islamic Relief USA is recognized as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, its
highest rating. Charity Navigator is America’s largest charity evaluator.