From: 34AEJ7D@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu (Bill Gorman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Guide/Helper dogs at risk in Miami?
Date: 4 Sep 92 19:58:50 GMT
Reply-To: 34AEJ7D@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu (Bill Gorman)

Index Number: 24357

This message is being forwarded from another net due to the timely nature
of the information and reports that ill-conceived "security" measures
in the hurricane damage area are preventing needed veterinary supplies,
including food, from reaching Guide/Helper dogs, thus putting their
owners at risk. This would seem a clear violation of the ADA. I have
made the possible ADA violation known to some organizations involved,
and without exception the response was something to the effect that they
were unaware of the ADA legislation. Spread the word. Quickly.

Sez me,

W. K. (Bill) Gorman
|----------------------------Original message----------------------------
|From:   IN%"VETMED-L@UGA.BITNET"  "Veterinary Medicine" 31-AUG-1992 11:21:05.12
|To:     IN%"CC007002@WVNVMS.WVNET.EDU"  "Denise Gwinn"
|CC:
|Subj:   Florida relief - Forwarded from AOL's VIN
|
|Date: 31 Aug 1992 11:17:40 -0400 (EDT)
|From: Doug Kemp <VETPHARM@UGA.BITNET>
|Subject: Florida relief - Forwarded from AOL's VIN
|Sender: Veterinary Medicine <VETMED-L@UGA.BITNET>
|
|The following was taken from a message posted on America Online's Veterinary
|Information Network (VIN).
|========================================================================
|A note from Dr. John Albers, Exec. Director of AAHA:
|
|Date:  92-08-30 17:10:54 EDT
|Frm:   JohnAAHA@AOL.COM
|Subj:  Florida Relief Help
|T:     PDP1@AOL.COM
|cc:    DuncanF@AOL.COM
|
|Posted on: America Online
|
|Paul and Duncan:
|
|I could use some help getting this message to all VINnERS:
|
|The AAHA has spent much of this weekend trying to assess the situation
|in South Florida.  By all accounts, this is a massive problem.  We have
|information about at least twelve veterinarians whose practices have
|been destroyed or badly damaged and/or looted, and whose homes may also
|be gone.
|
|Some of our colleagues are trying desperately to care for injured
|animals, as well as to provide for the animals that were in their
|hospitals at the time of the storm.  In most cases, they can not
|contact owners to come to get their pets, because the owners have
|been evacuated themselves, or have no homes or places to take the
|pets.  As an indication of how bad things are, we understand that
|there is a need for euthanasia solution and body bags.
|
|In talking with Miami area veterinarians, local VMA officers, and
|officials of the American Humane Association, there is a problem
|getting supplies into the area, due to security problems.  Miami
|area veterinarians and technicians have been getting through in
|some numbers to lend a physical hand.
|
|The AAHA has also been told that there is a need for an organized
|fund drive for the relief effort, and that an organization that
|could collect, acknowledge, and distribute funds was needed.
|Our Executive Committee and many AAHA committees were meeting
|in Denver this weekend.  AAHA has agreed to spearhead the financial
|relief effort.
|
|We will contact over 10,000 AAHA member veterinarians by mail this
|week.  TAX DEDUCTIBLE donations will be collected by the AAHA
|FOUNDATION.  100% of the funds collected will be distributed to
|provide humanitarian aid for animals and our colleagues in South
|Florida.  The Foundation will evaluate and prioritize the needs
|and distribute funds accordingly.  We will help however we can.
|
|We will also notify the AVMA and all state VMAs in an effort to
|coordinate this fund drive.
|
|The AAHA has committed roughly $7,000 for organization, postage,
|mailing, and the like.  Our staff resources will be mobilized to
|support the efforts.
|
|Most significantly, AAHA's volunteer leaders and staff made
|personal contributions this weekend with the result that the
|relief fund ALREADY TOTALS $15,450!!
|
|We would appreciate whatever help we can get from VINERS and
|their staffs and neighboring colleagues.  Donations can be
|sent directly to:
|
|AAHA FOUNDATION, P.O. Box 150899, Denver, CO 80215
|
|Please mark the checks "Florida Relief"
|
|Alternatively, veterinarians may call the AAHA Member Service
|Center anytime beginning AFTER 12 noon (EDT) on Monday,
|August 31, at 800/252-2242.  We will accept pledges (and
|will invoice those making a pledge) or credit card contributions.
|
|Please help get this message to all VINners; I am sorry I do not
|know the best way to reach everyone.
|
|Thanks for your help.
|
|John W. Albers, DVM
|Executive Director
|AAHA
|
|P.S. Please call me (800/252-2242) or e-mail me (JohnAAHA@AOL.COM)
|if you have questions.