HEART TO HEART INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES Clinic in a cans TO SHIP TO TURKEY, SYRIA TO AID EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

PRESS RELEASE
by Megan Neher, HHI, and Ellie Melero, CIAC
March 8, 2023

BEL AIRE, Kan. – The devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria has killed more than 50,000 people and displaced and injured millions more.

Kansas City-based Heart to Heart International (HHI) works closely with partners on the ground near the disaster areas to deliver surgical supplies, hygiene kits and relocatable, stand-alone medical clinics manufactured in Bel Aire, Kansas by Clinic In A Can.

HHI has worked with Clinic In A Can to ship several clinics to disaster areas, including in 2022 following Hurricane Ian as well as 15 that are currently in operation in Ukraine amidst the country’s war with Russia.

Ellie Melero / Clinic In A Can

Two trauma and one maternal clinic in a cans will go to Turkey and Syria to aid earthquake survivors.

“The response efforts in Turkey and Syria will be a long-term recovery because so many hospitals and healthcare clinics have been destroyed,” said Christine Knudsen, senior vice president at Heart to Heart International.

HHI will send three solar-powered health clinics to Syria and Turkey, and the first trauma unit is ready to ship this week. In two weeks, another trauma clinic will ship as well as a maternal health clinic. Because officials estimate 150,000 pregnant women have been impacted by the quake, it is critical to provide a safe place for prenatal health care as well as to deliver a child.

“Medical support remains one of the top reported needs in Turkey and Syria, including access to medicine and acute trauma support,” Knudsen said. “That’s why these health clinics are so incredibly important. We can pack them with medicine and supplies before they ship overseas and work with our partners to make sure they are placed in communities who need it the most, with doctors on the ground.”

About Clinic In A Can

Clinic In A Can converts 20ft and 40ft shipping containers into relocatable medical clinics. These turn-key solutions come fully equipped and ready to immediately operate in a disaster area regardless of the surrounding infrastructure. Clinic In A Cans can operate on solar power or generators to provide a reliable source of electricity in disaster zones.

About Heart to Heart International

Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2.6 billion to more than 131 countries, including within the United States. HHI responds to natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. The organization is a 4-star Charity Navigator charity and is on the “Philanthropy 400.” To learn more, visit hearttoheart.org.