Total Amount Granted: $250,350
Emergency Relief Program Grant
Project Dates: March 18, 2011 to March 31, 2012
Amount: $250,350
Project Status: Ongoing
The emergency medical services provided by the NGO Service for the Health in Asian & African Regions (SHARE) have addressed the short- and long-term needs of disaster victims. Services have included the provision of medical staff, supplies, and other healthcare services to victims in Natori and Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture. Based on ongoing evaluation, these services will continue through the end of the year or until the local medical care system is again able to address the medical needs of the city’s residents.
Kesennuma was one of the most devastated areas after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. In a city of over 78,000 residents (before the disaster), more than 1,500 people died and 3,800 were displaced. An unknown number of people did not leave their damaged homes. Based on assessments made in the area, SHARE has focused on support for elderly people, disabled people, and expectant mothers, and infants, who continue to live in Kesennuma.
SHARE’s relief and recovery activities are detailed below:
- Clinic Support Program: During the emergency phase of the disaster, Tohoku Kokusai Clinic in Natori City was the only clinic opened in the area and was charged with treating patients with acute medical conditions, as well as those with chronic medical conditions, particularly those who are elderly. SHARE deployed 21 doctors, 18 nurses, and 15 logisticians to the clinic which allowed clinic operations to continue uninterrupted – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the emergency phase, the clinic initially saw up to 80 patients per day. The clinic returned to normal operation on March 28, 2011.
- Medical Outreach Programs: SHARE medical staff and volunteers evaluate the nutritional statuses and overall physical health of disaster victims. Based on their evaluations, the volunteers refer to the recommended healthcare provider for chronic and non-chronic medical conditions. SHARE provides services via mobile clinics, which make primary healthcare accessible to all residents. Over 450 doctors, nurses, and other volunteers have participated in over 2,000 home visits. Common health problems observed are gastrointestinal issues, cold, diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental illnesses.
- Community Activities: SHARE invites adults and children to participate in community activities, such as a mobile zoo, in order to promote socialization, communication, and general well-being.
- Mutual NGO Support: To facilitate the continued improvement of the health situation in Kesennuma, SHARE is supporting local volunteer organization, Project K, who is collaborating with local authorities and other NGOs to promote community health. SHARE is providing advice and resources, including office space, supplies, and staff, to help launch Project K and see that they are successful and sustainable.
Read more about SHARE