BOONE, N.C., Sept. 29, 2014 — The latest Ebola numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are harrowing, with predictions that more than a million people in Liberia and Sierra Leone alone could become infected with the deadly virus by January. As part of its ongoing effort to stop the spread of Ebola in Liberia, international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse is airlifting up to 100 tons of protective equipment and supplies this Wednesday from Charlotte.
Because of the rapidly growing numbers of people contracting Ebola in Liberia, medical facilities cannot keep up with the demand and often do not have room for additional patients. Many others are too frightened to seek medical help. To help these families, Samaritan’s Purse has developed a community-based care program to train and equip people to care for their loved ones and protect themselves from the deadly disease.
On Wednesday, crews will load a 747 cargo jet at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport with critically needed supplies to help protect people from Ebola, including rubber gloves, face masks, rubber boots and disinfectants.
WHAT: Airlift of Ebola relief supplies to Liberia as part of new Samaritan’s Purse program to help battle the spread of Ebola
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 1
WHERE:Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (4062 Yorkmont Road,Charlotte, NC, Gate 40)
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
10 a.m. – Interview opportunities with Franklin Graham and a Samaritan’s Purse doctor who has treated Ebola patients in Liberia, including American Dr. Kent Brantly.
5 – 11:30 a.m. – Morning live shot opportunities with 747 and cargo, Crews will finish loading cargo between approximately 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Noon – 12:30 p.m. – Departure of cargo jet to Liberia
Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization that has been working in Liberia since 2003. The organization partners with local churches and missions to meet the medical, food, water and education needs of people across the country.
Based in Boone, Samaritan’s Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations—especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org.
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