Dear AANMA Friends,

As we watch television reports of Katrina's aftermath, most Americans feel at a loss to help the victims. But every single person can help in very real, practical ways.

AANMA has identified a direct contact for receiving basic supplies and medication in Baton Rouge, LA, where thousands of displaced families continue to arrive.

Prem Menon, MD, is an allergist/immunologist and community leader in Baton Rouge. He has spent many years of his life serving patients in need in America and his homeland of India. He has been a friend and supporter of AANMA for nearly 20 years.

Roberta Vicari, MD, is the Medical Director at Our Lady of the Lakes Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge. Together, Dr. Menon and Dr. Vicari are networking with all the medical professionals in the Baton Rouge area to provide basic necessities and medical supplies to the hospital, doctors' offices and make-shift shelters. They have established a secure central location for distributing donated products to the area.

They are in short supply of everything! Several pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers are sending medications and nebulizer supplies, holding chambers and peak flow meters, but anyone can help by sending even one item from the list below:

Bottled water
Infant formula
Diapers
Pedialyte®
Antibacterial soap
Bar soap - individual sizes
Hand sanitizers
Bleach
Feminine hygiene products
Vinegar, baking soda
Nutrition bars
Nut free snacks for children with peanut and tree nut allergy
Crayons
Toys

If you are able to send products to Baton Rouge (we are not collecting financial donations at this time), please contact AANMA's Jennifer Sprinkel at 800.878.4403, x108, or jsprinkel@aanma.org. She will provide shipping information and other details to ensure your donation reaches Dr. Menon in an organized manner.

Thank you for your help in this important effort.

Best wishes,

Nancy Sander
President and Founder
Allergy & Asthma Network
Mothers of Asthmatics