For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Eliza Bates, NYSNA
eliza.bates@nysna.org, (917) 565-2976
Amanda Torres-Price, 1199SEIU
amanda.torresprice@1199.org, (917) 886-9311
Cling Corotan, NAFCON
aberylc@g mail.com, (516) 901-1832
Healthcare Workers and Advocates Gather to Announce Support
for the Victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines
New York, NY: On Tuesday, November 12 at 11:30am, advocates with the National Alliance for
Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) and caregivers represented by NYSNA and 1199SEIU gathered in
front of the Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian to announce their support for the
victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Typhoon Yolanda) in the Philippines. The group also
announced the formation of Task Force Haiyan, a coalition committed to raising funds and
collecting donations for those impacted by the storm.
“As a Filipino-American, my heart goes out to the victims of this terrible storm,” said 1199SEIU
Secretary Treasurer Maria Castaneda. “1199 caregivers encourage the public to remember the
victims of Hurricane Haiyan, who desperately need our help. We are working with NYSNA,
NAFCON and other partner organizations to get emergency supplies where they are most
needed.”
“Typhoon Yolanda has brought unspeakable tragedy to the Philippines and it is our duty, as
caregivers, as well as a matter of mutual aid and solidarity, to meet this tragedy head on,” said
New York State Nurses Association Executive Director Jill Furillo, RN. “Working with 1199SEIU
and through the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns - an organization that sends relief
directly to underserved communities - we are gathering donations and supporting volunteer RN
efforts to get relief there now and sustain it.”
“These last few days have been very difficult for Filipino-Americans with loved ones back
home,” said Terry Valen, President of NAFCON. “Haiyan is the fourth major typhoon to hit the
Philippines this year, and the most destructive. NAFCON's Bayanihan Relief and Rehabilitation
program accepts donations online at nafconusa.org. 100% of the proceeds we raise reach those
most devastated by the typhoon. NAFCON is happy to partner with the New York State Nurses
Association, 1199SEIU, and churches across the U.S. in forming Taskforce Haiyan, to ensure
all our important efforts to help the victims are coordinated on a national scale. We need others
to join us.”
This past Friday, Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines. According to estimates, the death
toll has now reached 12,000, and communication has been limited as family members struggle
to find each other in aftermath of the storm.
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The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We
are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in
America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New
Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs
for all.
The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns is a national alliance of Filipino religious, youth, women,
professionals & disaster relief organizations serving to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos by
fighting for social, economic, and racial justice and equality. We partner with grassroots aid organizations
in the Philippines to send direct relief to underserved communities.