LOS ANGELES, CA (January 18, 2010)-Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that its long-standing corporate partner Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the philanthropic organization of Honeywell, has provided use of a jet to bring essential medical aid to post-earthquake Haiti.
Operation USA's immediate disaster response has focused on the most pressing medical needs due to the devastation of hospitals and medical facilities. This first shipment, which arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti earlier today, contained 12,000 vials of ceftriaxone, which is a powerful antibiotic to help treat pneumonia and other bacterial illnesses, and 1,440 cut-resistant gloves to help with the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts.
Two medical staff from Partners In Health were also on board to assist in distributing the medical supplies. This initial delivery is part of a $1 million donation of relief supplies, which includes high-priority medical supplies, water purification chemicals, and electric generators. This is the first of many expected Operation USA shipments of aid to Haiti. A second shipment leaves tomorrow via United Airlines, which is donating up to four flights for cargo and emergency staff.
"One of the key pillars of Honeywell Hometown Solutions is our ability to respond to natural disasters around the globe," said Tom Buckmaster, President of Honeywell Hometown Solutions. "Working with partners, like Operation USA, our goal is to get aid quickly to those in need and leave a lasting legacy as we help rebuild affected areas. Delivering badly needed medical supplies to the Haitian people was one of the most effective ways for Honeywell to make a difference. We're proud of the contributions our employees have made and look forward to continuing this important work."
"Honeywell Hometown Solutions and Honeywell's Chairman and CEO Dave Cote responded immediately to our requests for help in Haiti," commented Richard Walden, President and CEO, Operation USA. "Honeywell has been a terrific supporter of our work for years now, responding with extraordinary generosity in the face of disasters from the Asian Tsunami to the earthquake that hit Sichuan, China in 2008. They continue to be a great partner in helping Operation USA develop actionable plans to deliver essential aid to those most in need. Their sponsorship of transportation to get supplies into Haiti now allows Operation USA to begin its long-term, on-going relief efforts."
HOW TO HELP: ?
Donate online at http://www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested. Air miles can also be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines Charity Miles program at www.united.com.
About Honeywell
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
About Operation USA?
Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based Operation USA has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects. ?
Operation USA has worked in Haiti with local partners-with intensified efforts and dedicated programs in place following the 2008 storms. Operation USA is currently partnering with local Haitian NGO L'Athletique d'Haiti, and supports their food program which serves children from some of the most destitute areas of Port au Prince and surrounding provinces. Partners in Health and the Haitian Nurses Association will receive relief cargo in Haiti and assist in its distribution.
Learn more and make secure donations at www.opusa.org.
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Media Contact:
Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA?
310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org
Robert C. Ferris, Vice President, External Communications, Honeywell?
973/455-3388 or Rob.Ferris@Honeywell.com?