Upstate Organization Helping Most Vulnerable Victims of Nepal Earthquake
May 5, 2015
Asks community to join its efforts
GREENVILLE, SC – CBM (Christian Blind Mission), with U.S.-headquarters based in Greenville, S.C., is responding to Nepal’s recent earthquake by supplying relief efforts to some of the most vulnerable victims – children, women and men with disabilities.
CBM is asking community members to join its efforts by making an online donation at www.cbmus.org.
“In disasters like Nepal’s earthquake, people with disabilities are affected the most,” says Caryl García, CEO of CBM-US. “Hospitals and emergency shelters are overwhelmed and unable to offer special accommodations, especially to children. Aide devices for the blind, deaf, or those with physical disabilities, may be severely damaged or inoperable.”
“Most urgently though,” García continues, “is that networks to deliver food, water, shelter and medical care may be completely severed. Typically, very little relief aid is accessible to those with disabilities. They often fall to the end of the line for the world’s limited aid response, but CBM is committed to making sure that these survivors get life-saving care.”
In addition, García says CBM also will care for those who have gained new disabilities because of the earthquake. For every person who dies in a disaster like the Nepal earthquake, it’s estimated that three other people sustain injuries, many causing long-term disabilities.
“Once we get through the emergent needs, CBM will stay behind for as long as it takes – usually after other organizations have left – to be sure the needs of people with disabilities are met,” García says. “We’re committed to rebuilding infrastructure to meet long-term needs and ensure human rights for those with disabilities.”
CBM supports nine partner projects in Nepal. These include eye and ear care programs, orthopedic and community-based rehabilitation services, mainstreaming of mental health and psychosocial disability, education, livelihood and empowerment of women, as well as disability-inclusive advocacy initiatives.
To help with CBM’s efforts in Nepal, please visit www.cbmus.org or call 800-937-2264.
CBM
CBM (www.cbmus.org) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization devoted to helping children and adults with disabilities living in the poorest countries of the world. Last year, CBM helped more than 24 million people in 68 countries. The organization is recognized with a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) and is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau (give.org).
CBM’s U.S. headquarters is located in Greenville, S.C.
