This week, Baylor Scott & White Health's Faith in Action Initiatives (FIAI) is joining forces with Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. to help Syrian refugees who have been displaced by civil war. An estimated 9 million Syrians have fled their homes since the outbreak of hostilities in March 2011.
The Perots are underwriting the costs associated with delivering essential medical supplies and equipment. This vital cargo is being provided by Baylor Scott & White's FIAI to Hungarian Baptist Aid workers in Hungary, one of the countries in which Syrian refugees are seeking asylum. The delivery will be made by a specially configured cargo-capable Boeing 737 that is operated by Fort Worth-based ATX Air Services, a Perot company.
"This is an example of how collaboration powered by servanthood can impact the lives of thousands half way around the globe," said Joel Allison, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health. "We want to thank Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. Their generosity is making it possible for Baylor Scott & White to extend its mission to those we would not otherwise be able to reach."
"Sarah and I welcomed the opportunity to support this timely humanitarian mission, said Ross Perot, Jr. "ATX Air Services' 737 aircraft is uniquely suited to meet FIAI's air transportation needs and we were more than willing to sponsor the costs associated with using their services."
The shipment includes supplies that were donated through Baylor Scott & White's FIAI:
- defibrillators
- pulse oximeters
- forehead thermometers
- baby formula
- canned food
- gauze
- gloves
- masks
- equipment to provide eye, ear and foot care
- exam beds
- syringes
- crutches
- walkers
- mattresses
- stethoscopes
Many of the refugees are in desperate need of medical attention. As a result, these items are in high demand.
"As part of our commitment to health and healing, Baylor Scott & White Health works through our Faith in Action Initiatives program to stretch medical resources and expertise to regions around the globe, which are underserved or in need," said Don Sewell, director of Faith in Action Initiatives. "These supplies can make a tremendous difference to the organizations that are providing medical care to refugees from Syria. We are honored to have the support of the Perots in this effort."
"The ATX Air Services team worked last night to re-configure the aircraft to maximize its cargo capacity," said Mike Berry, of ATX Air Services. "The team will be working over the next two days to palletize and load the medical supplies and equipment so that we can depart for Hungary as soon as Friday."
Baylor Scott & White Health's Faith in Action Initiatives mobilizes the Baylor Scott & White family and like-minded organizations to address the medical and spiritual needs of communities locally and throughout the world through education, missions, redirection of resources and disaster relief. To date, FIAI has contributed millions of dollars' worth of medical supplies and equipment to needy beneficiaries in more than 30 countries.
To support Baylor Scott & White Health's Faith in Action Initiatives, please visit https://give.baylorhealth.com/.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Julie Smith
julie.smith@baylorhealth.edu
214-820-7135
Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr.
ATX Air Services
James Fuller
Jfuller@pstrategies.com
(240) 393-1369
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
