Heart to Heart's "big wheels" rolling to North Dakota for flood relief

OLATHE, Kan./March 27, 2009 - Heart to Heart International Inc., a leading global humanitarian organization, today said that it is preparing to lead a medical response in North Dakota, where the Red River is rising to catastrophic levels and is expected to crest this weekend near Fargo.

At the request of North Dakota state emergency officials, Heart to Heart is deploying its Mobile Medical Unit and a team of medical volunteers to the region, where they will enhance clinical care at a large community shelter. State officials predict they may need to evacuate up to 20,000 people if the levees and dikes cannot hold back the floodwaters.

"Thousands of people have already been evacuated and we're responding to the needs of these people," said Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid, Heart to Heart's chief operating officer. "Emergency officials are planning for the worst-case scenario. We're in position to help them address health needs-no matter how extensive this crisis becomes."

Heart to Heart already has an advance team in Fargo. The Mobile Medical Unit and a clinical support team are leaving Heart to Heart's Olathe headquarters today at 1 p.m. and should be in place to respond to current needs, as well as the influx of evacuees if the river breeches the levees.

The Mobile Medical Unit is essentially a clinic on wheels. It contains three exam areas, portable diagnostic equipment, supplies to address minor wounds, a fully stocked pharmacy, and medical technology for patient monitoring and creating health records.

Heart to Heart is responding to this emerging crisis in North Dakota and other disasters around the world, and it needs additional support to maintain its relief operations.

Interested individuals, groups and companies can participate in the following ways: Sign up as a volunteer on Heart to Heart's website (www.hearttoheart.org), pack Heart to Heart care kits (the recipe is on its website), and/or make a cash donation to Heart to Heart's Crisis Response Fund by visiting its website, calling its toll-free number (866-341-GIVE), or sending a check or money order to its address at 401 S. Clairborne, Suite 302, Olathe, KS 66062.