Dear APPNA Family,
With every passing day, the world seems a more unsettling place and multiple perils seem to loom over us. While we try to look for positive events in our lives there seems to be an unnerving negativity around us. Last one month alone has brought nothing but harsh news for us here in USA and neighboring states. Like me you must be following the NEWS of disaster and devastation in the wake of three major storms originating in the Atlantic and affecting millions of people in their path. News of genocide and plight of Rohingya refugees is equally distressing.
We as a physician community have tried to do our part in alleviating the pain and suffering in all shape and forms, wherever and whenever we can. I am humbled by the act of humanity by the physicians who are going on a Medical mission to Bangladesh to help the Rohingya refugees. APPNA is supporting this humanitarian venture through Medical Corps Committee. A group of 8 physicians will leave in a few days and stay in Bangladesh for a week on a medical relief task. Kudos to Dr. Mir Ali of Texas for leading this mission.
After hurricane Harvey the South Texas chapter and APPNA members had step up to assist in relief work in the affected areas in Houston and then the two more storms struck one after the other. $10,000 were spent by APPNA on provision of food and other items of daily need to affected people in Houston. 10,000 has been pledged for rehabilitation project in collaboration with Local organizations and The City of Houston.
Currently, there is a substantial need for aid in Florida, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean Islands as thousands of people have lost power, damage to houses and lost businesses.
APPNA has two committees which do wonderful work for welfare of people under various circumstances. These are the Social Welfare & Disaster Relief committee and Medical Corps Committee. These committees were active after Harvey but the need for help in disaster stricken areas was so huge that we needed to consolidate our efforts and work with local APPNA chapters and local humanitarian organizations at different and widespread locations. Therefore, I have created an adhoc committee which includes APPNA members from the affected areas as well as the members of Social Welfare disaster relief, Medical Corps and Civic Engagement Committees. This adhoc committee is being chaired by Dr. Babar Rao. The committee has decided to send a container of food and water to St. Maarten Island as well as a medical mission in partnership with Helping Hands organization. Local Florida chapter held a fundraiser to collect money for this cause.
APPNA will also purchase Mobile health units which will be used to provide healthcare during any time of need and in any area where APPNA physicians can help. The unit will cost $62000 each but it will surely be money well spent.
As I said in the beginning of the year, the theme of this year is "Civic engagement through Community service". This theme was created to send the message that APPNA is ready to broaden its horizon and get actively involved in community projects throughout USA and engage local communities through provision of healthcare services, a friendly dialogue and foster a sense of brotherhood among fellow citizens.
We have been given an opportunity to be more visible and be recognized as people of peace and compassion. Our humanitarian deeds will not only change the stereotypes but also help to build a legacy of brotherhood and benevolence. I request your support and make your monetary contribution using the link below.
https://www.instantreg.com/appnatemplate2/public-donations-2017
May God keep us and our families safe from any misfortune. Ameen.
Cordially,
Sajid Chaudhary, MD
President APPNA, 2017
