MIAMI, May 10, 2018 – Global music star Marc Anthony arrived in Puerto Rico today to deliver a state of the art mobile children’s clinic to “Salud Integral en la Montaña” in Orocovis, along with a gift of $300,000 to operate the program over the next three years. In addition, the superstar announced that he will continue to design other projects to help other communities recover from the devastating consequences of Hurricane Maria.
Under the guidance of a group of highly recognized experts in public health care and disaster relief and recovery – led by Dr. Irwin Redlener –, the idea of a SOMOS + SALUD initiative was introduced in January 2018, when Marc Anthony, SOMOS UNA VOZ and the organization’s Expert Advisory Panel decided to go beyond direct humanitarian relief and create a long-term health care program that will care for some of the most vulnerable and traumatized children in Puerto Rico.
Marc Anthony wasted no time in his determination to do something significant to help people throughout the region who were so impacted by the storm. “The double shock of Hurricanes Irma and Maria was unprecedented in recent memory. We knew millions of people who lived in the path of these storms would be suffering greatly. Our goal was to help provide immediate and long-term relief to as many communities as possible“, said the singer.
The mobile children’s clinic is part of the long-term recovery strategy created with the intention of improving access to high quality comprehensive medical care to children and families in hard hit communities, providing year-round medical care and health education in Orocovis, Barranquitas, Comerío, Corozal, Naranjito, Toa Alta and other municipalities in Puerto Rico.
The mobile clinic donated by The Children’s Health Fund (CHF), the nation’s largest network of mobile-based children’s clinics serving some the U.S.’ most medically underserved children founded by renown interpreter Paul Simon, will be operated by Salud Integral en la Montaña (SIM). SIM is a Federally Qualified Health Center that offers access to health care to seven municipalities and hundreds of communities, improving significantly their quality of life and wellness for the last 43 years.
At today’s event, Marc Anthony, Dr. Redlener – president emeritus and co-founder of CHF and director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness – Karen Redlener and Gloria del C. Amador, Executive Director of Salud Integral en la Montaña had the opportunity to spend time with members of the community.
Prior to this event, SOMOS UNA VOZ, identified Yo No Me Quito, Fundación Extra Bases, Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico and Popular Community Bank Foundation to receive financial support and direct relief.
According to Dr. Redlener, “We are committed to making sure that the recovery process moves as rapidly as possible for children who have been in harm’s way and traumatized by the hurricanes. Returning to a normal routine, back in school and having access to high-quality health care are critical priorities.”
In a previous phase, SOMOS UNA VOZ provided aid to communities in the towns of Morovis, Loiza and Fajardo. In each of these municipalities SOMOS UNA VOZ has funded programs administered by local charities. SOMOS UNA VOZ funds have had a direct impact on the lives of at least 60 thousand people so far.
Recovery already provided included the delivery of children’s clothes and school supplies, water filters, medical equipment, generators for families with extreme medical needs and other badly needed support. Recipients included children and their families, as well as elderly care centers, doctor’s offices and schools unable to operate due to lack of power. The local charities also helped facilitate educational events and programs.
The SOMOS + SALUD children’s mobile clinic program will provide:
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions;
- Management of chronic conditions, like childhood asthma and diabetes;
- Referrals to specialists, as needed and as feasible;
- Preventive interventions (e.g., routine childhood vaccinations) and anticipatory guidance;
- Provision of – or referral to – mental health, eye care, dental care, and nutritional services as needed.
The program will collaborate with local pediatricians and other relevant health providers, as well as the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Somos Una Voz, is the alliance of artists and athletes conceived by Marc Anthony in September 2017 to help provide humanitarian relief to areas affected by natural disasters throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and other affected areas in the Caribbean.
For more information and for donations visit www.somosunavoz.com
Follow us on:
Instagram: @somosunavozoficial
Facebook: @SomosUnaVoz
Twitter: @somosunavoz
PRESS CONTACT
Blanca Lassalle, [email protected]