wfn.org | CWS First Direct Cuba Shipment in Two Years

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the 
U.S.A.
Contact: Wendy McDowell,  NCC, 212-870-2227
Internet: wendym@ncccusa.org

73NCC7/31/98                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCC/CWS DELIVERS MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO CUBA JULY 31
IN ITS FIRST DIRECT FLIGHT SINCE RESTRICTION WAS 
LIFTED

 NEW YORK, July 31 ---- National Council of 
Churches (NCC) medical supplies and blankets were 
flown to Havana, Cuba, today on the NCC's first 
direct flight in over two years.

 "After long pressing for the restriction on 
direct flights to Cuba to be lifted for humanitarian 
supplies, we are grateful that we can avoid the 
extra expense and time to get these supplies to the 
people where they are needed," said the Rev. Dr. 
Joan Campbell, NCC General Secretary.  President 
Clinton lifted the restriction on direct flights of 
humanitarian aid this spring after pressure mounted 
following the Pope's January visit to Cuba.

 Over the past six years, the NCC - through its 
Church World Service ministry - has sent 42 
shipments of food, medicines, medical equipment, 
school supplies and other goods to Cuba totaling 
nearly 300 tons with a market value of more than $10 
million.  CWS works with its partner, the Cuban 
Council of Churches, to target its assistance to the 
most vulnerable members of Cuban society - women, 
children and the elderly.

 Today's shipment, valued at $143,200, includes 
17 pallets and 10 cartons of hospital supplies, a 
gift from the Ohio State University Medical Center; 
2,000 health kits and 5,000 lightweight blankets.

 The medical supplies, which include splints, 
bandages, syringes and other disposables, will go to 
two emergency clinics in Havana which the NCC is 
targeting to improve their capacity for care.

 In June, the NCC shipped 3,000 pounds of 
medical equipment donated to Church World Service by 
Rotary District #5240 in Southern California, 
working with Rotary International and in 
collaboration with Direct Relief International, 
Santa Barbara, Calif.

"The Cuban Council of Churches requested this 
equipment during our December visit," explained the 
Rev. Oscar Bolioli, NCC/CWS Director for Latin 
America and the Caribbean.  "Concentrating on 
specific clinics is a way to make a concrete 
difference."

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