NEWS RELEASE: Operation USA to Deliver Aid to Ebola-Affected Countries

Los Angeles, Calif., August 7, 2014—Operation USA, a Los Angeles-based international relief agency, today announced that it will ship medical and infection control supplies to partners in Liberia and Sierra Leone in support of medical personnel working to combat the further spread of Ebola.

The current outbreak has impacted four West African countries with more than 1,600 cases on record and more than 900 deaths being reported as of Thursday evening.

Crucial initiatives for local organizations at this time include the training of local medical staff in infection control techniques, the recruitment of infectious disease specialists for work in the area, and the education of local communities in preventative measures. Operation USA will aid efforts by providing partners with various barrier and protective materials as well as cleaning supplies and hygiene items necessary for combating the further spread of the disease.

“The need to stop Ebola is urgent,” said Richard Walden, CEO of Operation USA. “Our most effective course of action is to provide more material aid to partner agencies in Liberia and Sierra Leone–and as we’ve seen in the past, these communities need our help as quickly as we can get it to them.”

Operation USA previously responded to an Ebola crisis in The Congo (then Zaire) in 1995, airlifting protective gear, barrier items and cleaning materials to the Kikwit General Hospital, where an outbreak killed 245 of 316 infected people.

The organization is now calling on corporate partners and the public to aid active relief efforts.

HOW TO HELP:
Donate online at donate.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, PO BOX 36188, Los Angeles, CA 90036-0188. Donations can also be made via text message: text AID to 50555 to donate $10. Text donations are collected for the benefit of Operation USA by the mGive Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mGive.org/t.

Corporate donations supporting recovery efforts—bulk quantities of barrier materials and protective gear, including gloves, masks, gowns and disposable shoes, and cleaning supplies and hygiene items, including hospital grade cleansers, mops and buckets—are also being requested. Only new items in bulk are being accepted at this time. Transportation assistance–domestically and internationally–is also needed. For more information call 1-800-678-7255.

United Airlines air miles can be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines’ Charity Miles program at www.united.com.

ABOUT OPERATION USA:
Founded in 1979, Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid throughout the world. The Los Angeles based non-government organization offers material and financial assistance to community-based organizations that promote sustainable development, leadership and capacity building, income generating activities, education, health services, and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable people.

Richard Walden, President and CEO of Operation USA, is available as an expert source on disaster recovery.

PRESS CONTACT:
Mary Dolan
Operation USA
mdolan@opusa.org
323-413-2353