For Immediate Release
September 28, 2017
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Urges Its Members and those in the Naturopathic Medicine Community to Donate Supplies and Funds.
Washington, D.C. – In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, naturopathic doctor and American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) member, Kelly Hassberger, ND is raising money and collecting funds to help those in need in the humanitarian crisis affecting Puerto Rico.
Dr. Hassberger, whose practice is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will fly down to Puerto Rico this Tuesday, October 3. AANP staff spoke with Dr. Hassberger this morning in an effort to understand exactly what is needed and how the AANP and its members can help. “I plan on bringing six big barrels of donations on the plane,” said Hassberger, who added that in addition to what she is collecting prior to Tuesday, she has an Amazon Wish List set up for ongoing supply needs.
Once on the ground and able to evaluate the most pressing needs, Dr. Hassberger will continue to update the Amazon Wish List. She says she hopes people will continue to monitor the Wish List and donate necessary supplies. In addition to the Wish List, Hassberger has set up a fundraising page for donations that will help with immediate needs in the area, such as purchasing a filtration system for accessible drinking water, solar panels, and other essential items.
Dr. Hassberger splits her time between her practice in Grand Rapids and a business she operates with her boyfriend, Charlie Peterson, who lives in Puerto Rico full time. Hassberger says that when Hurricane Maria hit the island, she was 2,000 miles away in Michigan. It took her three days before she heard from Peterson, who had to drive to San Juan in order to get cell phone service. She says she and Peterson are still only able to communicate when he makes the drive to the capital.
Following her trip, Dr. Hassberger tells AANP staff that she will continue to make sure critical items get to the people of Puerto Rico. “We have a post office box right across the street from our house, so it will make getting shipments of supplies easier. Once the USPS reopens,” she added.
In a mass alert to its members, the AANP has urged the profession to join in supporting Kelly Hassberger, ND, by donating to her Amazon Wish List or fundraising page. Jaclyn Chasse, ND, president of the AANP stated, “We are proud of and grateful to Dr. Hassberger for making this humanitarian trip and we, as an organization, want to support her in getting vital supplies and resources to people in need following the devastation of Hurricane Maria.”
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The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is the national professional association that represents 5,000 licensed Naturopathic Doctors. The AANP strives to make naturopathic medicine available to every American, and to increase recognition of naturopathic physicians as the identified authorities on natural medicine. Learn more at www.naturopathic.org.
Contact: Taryn Ward
Manager of Public Relations,
Marketing & Communications
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
[email protected] ∙ 202.237.8150 x105
