Heart to Heart delivers life-saving medicines to hurricane victims

OLATHE, Kan./September 11, 2005 — Heart to Heart International Inc., a leading humanitarian organization, today reported that it is delivering emergency supplies of insulin to diabetic patients throughout the Gulf Coast region. Through a partnership with Eli Lilly & Co. and BD, Heart to Heart is identifying patients in need of emergency medication.

“As a father of a diabetic child, I know how vital insulin is to a person with diabetes,” said Jon North, Heart to Heart’s CEO. “Our clinic staff is hearing heartbreaking stories of people trying to regulate their diabetes with diet or stretching their medication through irregular injections. So these gifts from Lilly and BD will make it possible to alleviate suffering and save lives, in many cases.”

Heart to Heart is delivering the life-saving aid on a special flight today. Medical staff in two of Heart to Heart’s free clinics will administer the medications. The organization is also contacting health centers in Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama for possible distribution to hurricane evacuees.

Heart to Heart has already sent several shipments of aid to the Gulf Coast region and is providing free medical care in multiple locations. Medical professionals interested in volunteering for seven- to 10-day shifts are encouraged to contact Heart to Heart by phone at 913-764-5200.

People can continue to support Heart to Heart’s hurricane-relief effort by making donations at any Sam’s Club store in the Kansas City area. A FedEx truck will be stationed at each store location to help collect donations of nonperishable food items, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and bottled water.