George E. Norcross, III, The Norcross Foundation and John P. Sheridan, Jr., President and CEO of Cooper University Hospital announce a medical mission to Haiti comprised of Cooper University Hospital medical professionals.
Over the next several days, Cooper will be mobilizing a medical team and transporting them to Haiti to assist the Haitian people after the devastating earthquake that has brought death, severe injury and predicted widespread disease as a result of this catastrophe.
“We are proud to be able to respond to this devastation by providing transportation for the medical team to Haiti so that they can address the critical needs of the hundreds of thousands now reported to be injured,” said George E. Norcross, III, Chairman of Conner Strong and Chairman of the Board at Cooper University Hospital.
Two Cooper nurses have already been deployed as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Cooper is a renowned Trauma Center and a Trauma specialist will be included on the team.
“Cooper’s credo since it opened its doors has always been to serve those in need,” said John P. Sheridan, Jr. “This medical mission is in perfect alignment with the philosophy that has guided Cooper for more than a century.”
“Haiti already had a significant need of medical resources before the earthquake hit,” said Anthony Mazzarelli, M.D., team leader for the Haiti and Katrina response, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Cooper. “The earthquake has now increased that need exponentially. We are in contact with the rescue teams on the ground who are assessing the specific medical needs and safety concerns for relief personnel trying to deploy.”
More specific information will be released over the next several days as Cooper medical professionals prepare for deployment.
This mission is made possible through generous support from the Norcross Foundation, which will underwrite the cost of the transportation to and from Haiti and Cooper University Hospital, who will provide medical personnel.