Friends of Disabled Adults and Children Partners With Invacare Corporation to Provide Aid in Wake of Joplin Tornado
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) has partnered with Invacare Corporation (NYSE: IVC), providing immediate aid shipments of equipment and supplies to Joplin, Missouri. A massive F5 tornado ripped through the center of Joplin on May 22, 2011, leaving much of the city in ruins. FODAC, with the support of Invacare, was able to send the first supply shipment to Joplin within 24 hours of the disaster.
FODAC is handling logistics and coordinating the relief efforts, combining the Invacare donations with its own inventory and that of other sponsors. Invacare is donating wheelchairs, mattresses, crutches and other equipment, including 324 oxygen cylinders that will be distributed through Cox Home Support Systems.
"The first 48 hours after a disaster are the most critical," said Chris Brand, president and CEO of FODAC. "Non-profit organizations like FODAC can leverage established relationships in local communities like Joplin to quickly coordinate relief efforts. Partnering with sponsors like Invacare, we can have trucks with essential medical supplies and equipment on the road to the disaster area within 24 hours."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families affected by the tornado in Joplin, Missouri," said Brian Ellacott, vice president and general manager of commercial operations for North America at Invacare. "In light of this terrible tragedy, and as the rescue efforts continue, Invacare is donating equipment to help those impacted by this devastating storm."
After the initial shipment, FODAC will continue to work with FEMA and Red Cross representatives in Joplin to supply additional shipments of equipment and supplies. In mid-May, FODAC and Invacare responded to the devastating storms and floods that ravaged several Southern states; both organizations also continue to ship supplies to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana.
About FODAC
FODAC helps children, adults and seniors with disabilities regain their mobility, independence and quality of life. The non-profit organization provides more than $9 million annually in refurbished home medical equipment (HME) and home modifications in Georgia and across the United States, all at little or no cost to the recipients. A pioneer in re-use, FODAC keeps 185 tons of materials out of landfills each year by refurbishing and reissuing over 300 HME items every month, and is recognized nationally for best practices. Funding comes from grants, private foundations, corporations and individuals.
The organization was started by volunteers who began refurbishing and giving away wheelchairs to needy Atlantans and was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1986. Since then, the organization has grown to include a staff of 24 and an average of 35 volunteers per week, and an annual budget of over $1 million. Chris Brand serves as Executive Director. To date, FODAC has provided clients with over $60 million in medical equipment including over 25,000 wheelchairs. The organization is supported through grants and corporate and private donations. FODAC is headquartered at 4900 Lewis Road, Stone Mountain, Ga., 30083. For more information, visit www.fodac.org or call 770.491.9014.
About Invacare
Invacare Corporation (NYSE: IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, is the global leader in
the manufacture and distribution of innovative home and long-term care medical products
that promote recovery and active lifestyles. The Company has 6,300 associates and
markets its products in 80 countries around the world. The Company was named to the
2011 Fortune 1000 list and to the 2010 IndustryWeek U.S. Manufacturing 500. For more
information about the Company and its products, visit Invacare's website at
Press contacts: Lizbeth Dison
FODAC
ldison@orotek.com
678.372.8164
Kelly Mize
Invacare
kmize@invacare.com
216.526.7436
SOURCE Friends of Disabled Adults and Children