Sewa International Activates Hotline for Corona Virus response in USA
Houston, TX (March 08, 2020) – In the midst of growing concerns about the spread of Corona Virus ( COVID-19) in various parts of the country, Sewa International convened a meeting of community leaders from across the country to prepare a framework of response to the crisis. Achalesh Amar, Director Disaster Relief said, “Plugging into resources offered by different government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), various departments of county and city governments, a taskforce was set up to come up with a comprehensive approach to the pandemic. Based on the recommendations of the taskforce, Sewa International is activating a hotline/helpline for non-medical advice at 281 909 SEWA (281 909 7392) for the Midwest, 708 872 SEWA (708 872 7392) and 302 330 SEWA (302 330 7392) for the Northeast, and 203 872 SEWA (203 872 7392) for Western United States”.
Swadesh Katoch, Vice President for Disaster Relief, added, “The biggest concern among the Indian American community was about schools as every school district is responding differently to the evolving situation, and most parents are not aware of the relaxation in attendance norms. The panic related to buying and stocking up masks, sanitizers, toilet paper, and food items also came up for discussion”.
"We are especially concerned about the vulnerable population with weak immune systems, such as seniors, the sick, or very young children. We are circulating WhatsApp messages with helpful information on how to prepare and take precautions. Various chapters in the US are directed to help local communities with up-to-date information as Corona Virus related cases get confirmed in a particular area," said Prof. Sree Sreenath, President of Sewa International.
Sewa International is also taking the initiative of conducting regular webinars and distributing flyers with concise information from various sources. These flyers offer information about the difference between flu and COVID-19, preventive measures, and techniques to reduce anxiety. The first webinar in the series will be conducted on Wednesday, March 11 by a qualified physician from California.
About Sewa International
Sewa International, a leading Indian American nonprofit organization, has extensive experience in disaster rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations having responded to 24 disasters in the US and abroad. In 2017, after Hurricane Harvey struck the Houston area, Sewa volunteers helped in the rescue of nearly 700 people, and have served thousands of affected families since then. Sewa raised over $3 million for Hurricane Harvey recovery, including a grant of $400,000 from the Houston Mayor’s Fund, and a $500,000 grant from the American Red Cross. Sewa continues to rebuild houses, and greenhouses, which serve as a means of livelihood. Sewa has also provided case management to affected families more than two years after Hurricane Harvey struck Texas. Sewa International has also rendered relief in the wake of hurricane Maria in 2018 and Hurricane Imelda in 2019. Sewa teams in the San Francisco Bay Area continue to build and donate tiny homes for those rendered homeless in California Camp Fire of November 2018.
Among its other accolades, Sewa International has been recognized by Charity Navigator – the premier nonprofit rating agency – as the number five among the “10 Highly Rated Charities Relying on Private Contributions.” Sewa has for the last three years continuously scored the topmost-rated 4-star from Charity Navigator, and has earned perfect scores for its Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency
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