In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:

GEORGIA: MEDICAL SUPPLIES ARRIVE IN GEORGIA

This week, UMCOR Georgia in coordination with the Georgian Ministry of Health and other partner organizations, is distributing $7.2 million of donated medicines and medical supplies to health facilities throughout Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

The medical airlift is part of the Physicians with Heart Project. Supported by the US Department of State, medical supplies donated by American pharmaceutical companies will be distributed throughout Tblisi over the next 30 days.

UMCOR Georgia hosted a hand-over ceremony on Nov. 2 at the Tbilisi Medical University (TMU). TMU Ophthalmology was presented with a symbolic box of ophthalmologic medicines for distribution.

Each year, UMCOR Georgia's Pharmaceutical Distribution Program, provides millions of dollars worth of high quality medicines and medical supplies to health clinics, orphanages, elderly homes, and other institutions throughout Georgia. You can contribute to this work by giving to Georgia Emergency, UMCOR Advance #250305.

RESOURCES: NEW AIDS EDUCATIONAL KIT AND PHOTO SLIDE SHOW

A new online resource developed by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund team is now available for churches everywhere to educate individuals and communities about HIV/AIDS.

"Working Toward an AIDS-Free World: An Educational Kit for United Methodist Churches," equips churches with specific AIDS-related information that will strengthen their existing AIDS ministries and provide a tangible response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. The easy-to-use information helps churches address fear, stigma and myths associated with HIV/AIDS, and learn how the AIDS pandemic is affecting each jurisdiction.

Download Working Toward an AIDS Free World Educational Kit now, and view Hope for an AIDS-Free World, a UM Global AIDS Fund photo slide show to learn how people all over the world are living positively with HIV/AIDS.

You can also support AIDS projects with gifts to UM Global AIDS Fund, UMCOR Advance #982345.

MALAWI: HELPING ORPHANS, EMPOWERING WOMEN

In Malawi, an estimated 950,000 orphans are in need of foster care, including one third of children infected with AIDS. In response to this need, the Mzuzu United Methodist Church in Malawi, developed Hope Homes, a foster care program that provides nutrition, health, shelter and education to more than 100 children living in the Mzuzu Shalom zone.

UMCOR is supporting Mzuzu UMC through World Hope Corps, Inc., (WHC) a faith-based non-profit organization in New Jersey, which works with communities in Shalom to provide food aid, scholarships and nutritional products to children who are orphans and affected by HIV/AIDS.

UMCOR is also supporting the Mzuzu Shalom Women's Empowerment Group, a sustainable venture that educates women in tailoring and business skills. The training empowers communities to become self-sufficient, while supporting the needs of orphaned children in Hope Homes through the selling of marketable hand-made goods.

Contribute to purchasing much-needed sewing machines and training materials for women in Mzuzu by giving to International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450.

US: BEST PRACTICES FOR H1N1 VIRUS

In response to the growing swine flu epidemic (or H1N1 virus), the National Council of Churches Health Task Force is encouraging pastors and congregational leaders to play a key role in educating staff on hygiene practices.

The Task Force has issued comprehensive flu prevention guidelines for congregations to put to use. Standard hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently, the upkeep of hygiene supplies like alcohol-based sanitizers, antibacterial cleaning supplies, and proper disposal of waste materials are outlined.

For more information on ways you can prevent the flu, click here.

UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online at givetomission.org. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.

United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org

UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.