Responding to Disaster – Near and Afar

Just yesterday, I was interviewed by one of our local news stations about BBF’s response to the devastating landslide and flooding in Nepal. As we discussed the assistance your support is directly providing to those impacted by the disaster, it occurred to me that our response, though obviously most visible in the days immediately following an emergency, has roots in early preparation and established relationships that can span decades.

BBF has responded to disasters and humanitarian crises for many decades. Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes can leave communities in dire circumstances with little warning. BBF’s response to these disasters can include providing financial support, disaster response kits, medicines, medical supplies and equipment, along with other types of humanitarian aid.  In both the recent Nepal and Venezuela disasters, BBF’s response began by communicating with trusted organizations, reviewing the needs of those affected, and determining how our resources can be most useful.

In Nepal, as we watch seemingly unreal picture on our TV screens, BBF’s initial response consists  of providing financial support to assist those injured and displaced by the landslide and flooding.  As needs assessments continue, this may evolve to providing disaster response kits along with medical supplies and equipment.

While we are working with a long-standing partner in-country, an important part of this response took place at BBF’s Behan Building facility. Here, throughout the year, volunteer groups assemble the disaster response kits that can be sent to any disaster affected area at short notice.

BBF’s response to the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela included sending over 10-pallets or 3,600 kits plus medical supplies along with equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers. The consecutive magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes resulted in the deaths of more than 5,000 people, injured thousands more, and left many families living in transitional camps. BBF provided grant funding to one of our long-standing partners along with the Venezuelan American Medical Association Foundation (VAMA). Both our partner and VAMA, through its network of local physicians, purchased and distributed medicines and medical supplies within Venezuela, allowing needed resources to reach hospitals and health centers quickly while avoiding delays and shipping expense.

So, while yesterday’s news interview focused on Nepal, the story of BBF’s responses began well before both the flooding and earthquakes occurred. It began with disaster response kits assembled in advance, medical supplies and equipment collected on an ongoing basis, and partnerships developed over many years.

None of this would be possible without the steadfast support BBF continues to receive from our donors. Your generosity allows us to prepare for the disasters we know will come – be they here at home or in lands far away.

Thank you so much for enabling us to remain at the ready and carry on with these much needed efforts!