COLUMNIST & REPORTER -
Amid a rising crisis in the islands of Cape Verde, now more than ever, is the time to lend support to our men, women and children.
For the first time in recorded history the Dengue virus has hit the Archipelago. This virus is especially dangerous in Cape Verde due to the fact that the country is compromised of 10 islands. The geographical make up of Cape Verde makes its population a concentrated hub of potential victims for the virus; this is why the capital has been so hard hit. The latest national news has released the number of infected to almost 9,000 with 6 dead. Unfortunately, the prognosis for those people who get the virus and are untreated that then go into shock, 50% do not survive. Thankfully the prime minister has asked for support from other countries, some help has arrived with more still on the way.
It is important to remember that there is no cure for Dengue, so the best possible recourse of action is prevention. It is for this reason that we must come together and support the efforts of these organizations that are coordinating efforts to collect these medical supplies to be sent to Cape Verde. Please if you can, no matter how small and insignificant you think your contribution may be, do lend a hand and bring what ever medical supplies you can to the drop sites listed in the Flier For Support Against Dengue in CV.
The hours of operation for the Brockton Adult Day Health Drop-off site is 8-4pm including Saturday and Sunday 9-2pm. For after hours drop-off call Sonia Alves (508) 930-7953.
Medical supplies will be shipped on Tuesday with support from TACV Airlines.
First Shipment of Medical Supplies Arrive in Cape Verde from Brockton, MA
Medical supplies have arrived safely in Cape Verde, according to Luisa Schaeffer. a social worker from Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BNHC). Luisa Schaeffer said she got the call Saturday morning. She has been the point person at BNHC, which for its part has donated $1000.00 in supplies, which were included in the shipments sent last Friday night via the TACV flight. TACV donated the delivery service.
Luisa goes on to inform us that the pharmacy Eaton Apotecary, which has a shop inside BNHC, has ordered an increased number of the medical supplies in demand in Cape Verde and will have more supplies on hand on Monday, November 9. All persons interested in purchasing those items, which have become hard to find in local pharmacies and stores, are invited to go to Eaton Apotecary. According to Schaffer, the pharmacy will have the items at a lower price to help those interested in donating items to be sent to Cape Verde. BNHC is also accepting cash donations for those interested in providing financial assistance to the relief efforts. For further information Luisa Schaffer can be contacted at BNHC at (508) 894-3613 or at schaefferl@bnhc.org
If you need further information, the contact information for those responsible has been provided in the Flier For Support Against Dengue in CV. If you need a ride or someone to pick up supplies at your location, I will personally coordinate my time to do so. You can reach me at Paulo@forcv.com.
Flier_For_Support_Against_Dengue_in_CV.pdf (254.87 kb)
