The Ebola outbreak in West Africa still appears to be spreading, but help is on the way from Connecticut.
AmeriCares, based in Stamford, is shipping fluids and protective gear, such as gowns and eye wear, for healthcare workers treating people with Ebola.
Healthcare workers are among those who are most at risk of catching the virus. They constantly have to dispose of their medical apparel.
Local Liberians living in Connecticut are trying to help as well.
Since Ebola is transmitted through bodily fluids the Liberian Community Association Of Connecticut is organizing a drive for cleaning supplies called Liberiact.
“Hand-sanitizers, bleaches, Clorox–those are things that they need right now,” Joseph Kalapele, president of the group, said.
Kalapele said four drop-off locations will be setup starting August 10 in Bridgeport, West Haven, New Haven and Hartford.
Kalapele has been in constant contact with his family back in Liberia. They have been telling him the people there are losing hope.
“You have the health workers, who should be treating people with the epidemic, they are dying so they are refusing to go to work,” Kalapele said.
The need for cleaning supplies for Liberia’s donation drive has the following drop-off stations:
Bridgeport, 1423 Kossuth St.
West Haven, 2 Elizabeth St.
New Haven, 463 Greenwich Ave.
Hartford, 120 Sigourney St.
And for more information on the virus and the situation in Africa read our earlier post: http://foxct.com/2014/07/31/deadliest-outbreak-of-ebola-virus-what-you-need-to-know/
