FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2014
PORTLAND – The Oregon Association for Liberia and Sierra Leone Community are organizing an event to raise awareness of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa and to collect donations for the relief effort. The event takes place Friday, September 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 1034 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205. Organizers will share insight on epidemic conditions in West Africa and hope to collect donations in kind (medical gloves and masks for medical personnel, for example) and financial donations to support Ebola victims and families in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“The Ebola epidemic in West Africa is a global health issue,” said Koffi Dessou from the City of Portland Office of Equity and Human Rights. “This is an opportunity for city governments, county governments, Oregon communities, and international communities to come together to stop the spread of the virus and support the victims.”
According to Oregon Association for Liberia, doctors and nurses in the region were exposed to the deadly Ebola virus and are dying mainly due to insufficient medical protective gear, including gloves and masks. Although Doctors Without Borders is onsite and equipment is provided, the need is still huge and additional donations are necessary. An economic crisis has arisen from the epidemic as towns and rural areas now need money to buy bottled water to avoid contaminated sources.
Government agencies and community groups have come together to sponsor Friday’s event, including the Office of Equity and Human Rights, Multnomah County Health Department, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), Africa House, and First Unitarian Church.
For more information, please contact Jeff Selby at jeff.selby@portlandoregon.gov.
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