Millwood, VA, March 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Project HOPE, a global health development and relief organization, is teaming up with the Planet Water Foundation to provide clean water and hygiene education programs in Puerto Rico on World Water Day on March 22. The Planet Water Foundation’s “Project 24” will install 24 water towers simultaneously in the U.S. territory and four countries in Asia.
Project HOPE and the Planet Water Foundation will install a water tower on the grounds of the Celso Gónzalez Vaillant School in the town of Loíza. A lack of access to a clean and reliable water supply causes chronic health problems and disrupts education for millions of children worldwide. And every year, millions of people, most of them children, die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene caused by poor economic conditions or poor infrastructure.
“Together with a team of volunteers from the University of Puerto Rico, the Department of Environmental Health and technicians from the Planet Water Foundation, we will ensure that children and families in this community have access to this crucial resource,” said Andrea Dunne-Sosa, HOPE’s Director of Global Volunteer Programs and Regional Director of the Americas.
HOPE has provided crucial medical support, medicines and hygiene supplies, reaching 48 municipalities and over 4,000 people in hard-to-reach areas of Puerto Rico to support the island’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Maria. In 2018, HOPE remains in Puerto Rico, focused on supporting health workers and patients to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and strengthening health systems disrupted by Hurricane Maria.
“The health needs here continue to be significant and many Puerto Ricans are still feeling the devastating impact of Maria. They still need our support,” said Dunne-Sosa.
World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on March 22 to focus attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in developing countries. Among the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is the goal of ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.
About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) is dedicated to providing lasting solutions to health problems with the mission of helping people to help themselves. Identifiable to many by the SS HOPE, the world’s first peacetime hospital ship, Project HOPE now provides medical y and health education, and conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 30 countries. Visit our website, projecthope.org and follow us on Twitter @projecthopeorg.
Media Contact in Puerto Rico:
Gustavo Pagán
787-568-3569
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9c162aa-2fb5-4aaa-bb2e-034592348d28
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b94b064f-b2c4-410f-a071-f0217855bba6