Local Hands Reach Out to Victims:
Some donate money, others heading south.

Steve Levine may be just an averal guy from Shrewsbury. But next week  
he'll be responsible for a convoy of trucks headed Sourh carrying  
baby formula and clothing for victims of Hurricane Katrina.


The article goes on to describe other local and national efforts on  
behalf of Katrina victims. I looked up Steve's email on the web and  
sent him the following note.

> Steve,
>   I read about your incredible trip to New Orleans in the Globe  
> today. Congratulations on  your effort. I wish all of you who are  
> going a safe journey and success in your endeavor.
>
> May I make a suggestion? With limited supply of clean water and  
> much contaminated water and environs in New Orleans right now,  
> distribution of baby formula may cause more problems than it  
> solves. Experience from other emergencies throughout the world have  
> shown us that helping mothers to nurse their babies saves the lives  
> and health of babies that can be seriously compromised by the use  
> of formula where there is not a clean water supply. It will lead to  
> a need for additional medical care for babies whose delicate  
> systems cannot handle the formula mixed with unclean water, medical  
> resources clearly better spent on the many victims with  
> unpreventable medical problems. Efforts are underway to help new  
> mothers get the help and support they need to begin or continue  
> nursing their babies.
>
> The infant formula you have collected can be distributed to  
> shelters locally. Though it is not the best food for babies  
> anywhere, in local shelters, there is clean water with which to mix  
> it.
>
> Rather than bringing infant formula, I would suggest non-perishable  
> food, clothing, blankets. I'm sure emergency personnel will have  
> other suggestions as well.
>
> Again, thank you, on behalf of all of us who are not able (or  
> perhaps willing) to offer the help that you are to our fellow  
> citizens in need.


Naomi Bar-Yam

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