International Medical Relief continues to deliver aid to people affected by Hurricane Harvey. In total, IMR raised $2,405 for relief in the aftermath of Harvey. To date, we have been able to distribute over $6,192.50 in much needed aid requested by the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC). Here, IMR was asked to provide mosquito repellent to help combat the spread of the Zika virus. In this effort, thousands of bottles of mosquito repellent were delivered to multiple communities affected by the hurricane.

An IMR team visited The Star of Hope’s Men’s Development Center in Houston to deliver donations and mosquito repellent to their clinic. Clinic Services Coordinator Shemeka Williams shared what a needed blessing this was for them. Nurse Jessica told us our supplies will be given to those who come through their center.

Additionally, IMR distributed mosquito repellent to the Cornerstone Community Center for women and families operated by the Star of Hope. This facility is a true community where single women and families begin their journey toward independence. There are numerous programs available here through their collaborators to help women with education, training, and employment. Nurse Jessica stated that there is a huge need here to help women combat Zika virus and the repellent will be distributed to these women for relief.

The spread of the Zika virus in Texas is expected to be at an all-time high due to the vulnerability of the spread of mosquitos from standing water left in the aftermath of Harvey. As flood waters recede, previously flooded areas become places where mosquito larva thrive, increasing the likelihood of the spread of both West Nile and Zika viruses. TACHC had requested repellent from several larger medical organizations but was unable to acquire any, since repellent isn’t included in items they normally distribute. IMR was able to act swiftly through our giving campaign and bring aid to the areas requested by TACHC.

IMR was also asked to distribute mosquito repellent to The Residences at Emancipation, a shelter established for those displaced after Hurricane Harvey. Here, more than 200 people are living with the support from FEMA and donors like JJ Watt of the Houston Texans. Manager Zulma Espinosa was grateful for the much-needed donation of mosquito repellent.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! WE COULDN’T HAVE HELPED THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS WITHOUT YOU!

We will continue to collect donations for mosquito nets and repellent that will be distributed in Texas and other locations around the world.