A Call for Help for those Affected by Hurricane Alex

Over the Fourth of July weekend, the remnants of Hurricane Alex struck Northern Mexico, dropping torrents of rain in what President Felipe Calderón called the worst storm “in recent memory” in the region. The storms left thousands of residents in the Monterrey area homeless and without water, electricity and in need of massive assistance.

Multiple CHRISTUS facilities, including hospitals and Adelaida Lafon clinics in the CHRISTUS Muguerza region, located in Northern Mexico, were directly in the storm’s path. Luckily, these facilities sustained no major damage, but CHRISTUS Associates there confirm the reports of destruction and the need for emergency supplies and recovery assistance for many who suffered losses in the region.

In addition to the destruction of homes, major highways were washed away and utility lines, bridges and most anything that stood in the flood’s path were destroyed. There are critical shortages of potable water, medical supplies and funds to meet the growing needs of those in the storm’s path.

While it is difficult for people of compassion to hear about the suffering of others, we know that many will be moved to act in the face of such great tragedy. That is why the CHRISTUS family is working directly with our colleagues in Monterrey to assess their relief and recovery needs, solicit financial support on their behalf and transfer supplies to them. Time is of the essence, because we are well into Hurricane season, and fear that if other weather systems continue to develop, the needs of our colleagues will increase.

If you would like to make a financial contribution to support our family and friends in Monterrey, you can contribute to the CHRISTUS Health Foundation (with the request to use your donation for CHRISTUS Mexican relief efforts) by sending a check to P.O. Box 840973, Dallas, Texas 75284-0973. Donations made by check to the CHRISTUS Health Foundation are tax deductible.

CHRISTUS Muguerza operates six Adelaida Lafón clinics in Mexico which are located in desperately poor and underserved areas. They provide high-quality medical care to those whose health is at risk due to social, cultural and economic conditions, and charge very small fees for their services.

There are more than 350 families (1,400 individuals, many of whom are children), who are served by our two Adelaida Lafón clinics in Monterrey in need of the most basic health and safety necessities. We have received reports that although it is hard to estimate structural damages because these families lived in tin and cardboard houses, they clearly lost everything but the clothes on their backs.

To assist them as quickly as possible, we are asking for donations of needed items to be gathered. The materials management department in each hospital/facility of CHRISTUS will be gathering the supply donations at sites designated at each facility and coordinating their shipments to Mexico. The items needed to help the families include:
o Folding beds, mattresses or camps mattresses
o Sheets
o Light blankets
o Pillows
o Towels
o Basic underwear – kids and adults, both sex
o Shoes, all sizes
o Basic toiletry – Personal Hygiene Products
o Toothpaste
o Toothbrushes
o Soap and shampoo
o Anti- bacterial gel
o Disposable cups, plates and plastic cutlery
o Bottle water
o Diapers (infant, child and adult)
o Non-perishable food items
o Canned goods
o Powdered milk
o Baby Formula or adult nutrition drinks (Ensure)

Thank you for considering how you might help those we serve in Mexico. For photos of our relief efforts, please visit our Facebook page, and please keep our colleagues and those affected by the storms in your thoughts and prayers.