Medical Services increase of 26% at SAE centers signals dire, life-threatening needs, of Hellenic Diaspora communities

CHICAGO, October 2. Responding to the almost total absence of basic medical care in the Hellenic communities in Eastern Europe, SAE' s medical centers in three countries have experienced an astounding 26% increase in the volume of provided medical services in the first six months of 2002.

An average of almost 35,000 patient services monthly were provided by the five Health Care Centers in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union (three in Georgia, one in Armenia and one in Ukraine) during the first six months of 2002. One large center is under construction in Mariupol, Ukraine. In Albania, one center is almost ready to open its doors in Georgoutsates and a second is being renovated in Koritsa.

World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew A. Athens, the founder of the Primary Health Care Initiative which owns the medical centers, has stated that an even greater increase is anticipated for the second part of 2002.

"Conditions in the Hellenic communities, just as in the rest of these countries, is deteriorating even further," Mr. Athens said. "We are desperately trying to fill the cracks in the basic medical care system so that Diaspora Hellenes in these historic communities have some access to basic health care.

"There are areas that are begging for service," Mr. Athens said. "It is life-saving. We have been successful in providing outstanding service and. Now we must find additional funds to continue expanding the service to areas that have no access to a doctor, a nurse or pharmaceuticals."

In the first six months of 2002, 135,000 patient services were provided by the Medical Centers, an increase of 26% compared to the same time last year. More than 12,000 new patients were served. Similar increases were noted by the Primary Care Rural Nurses program which provided 28,000 services in remote areas they visit daily and by the Medical Mobile Units which served close to 9,000 patients.

It is worth noting that these services are provided not only to Hellenes in the communities but to other residents, too. Another striking aspect of the progress of the SAE Medical Initiative is the distribution of almost $6 million in humanitarian aid. This is actual, material help, in addition to the medical services, provided to locals, in the form of widely distributed medical kits, pharmaceutical supplies, school kits, clothing and bedding supplies and other products that are badly needed in the area.

Medical and humanitarian assistance comes from private sources, the U.S. government and the Greek government in approximately equal amounts.

"It is very gratifying", Mr. Athens added, "to see these wonderful results. Three years of hard work and persistence, research, planning and cooperation with many institutions are paying off to the benefit of tens of thousands of people. It encourages us to work even harder, to establish many more similar programs in other areas enabling us to reach and benefit millions.

"We need everybody's help. No amount is too small or too large. To contribute please send your check to SAE Medical Relief, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 510, Chicago, Illinois, 60611 or call our offices in Greece +0310-411-955 and in the U.S. + 312-337-0004.