Albany, NY - October 13, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that another major shipments of supplies, including more than 160,000 pounds of water, diapers, baby food and wipes has been delivered to Puerto Rico. The supplies -- donated by New Yorkers at collection sites across the state -- are being distributed to targeted communities across the island over the coming days in partnership with the Carlos Beltran Foundation. The supplies were delivered on a flight chartered by Major League Baseball that departed John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday. State Homeland Security Commissioner Roger Parrino remains on the ground overseeing operations and is ensuring all supplies reach communities in need.
Additionally, two flights donated by Delta will transport 50 State Troopers to the island to support ongoing recovery operations. Mission priorities include protecting commodities and fuel and securing the supply chains to ensure that the resources are distributed to people who need them most. These new Troopers will replace the existing team of 53 Troopers who have been on the ground for the past two weeks assisting with security operations.
"It is in times of tragedy the you find out what people are made of and the level generosity that New Yorkers have shown in support of Puerto Rico is nothing short of inspiring," Governor Cuomo said. "I want our brothers and sisters still recovering from Hurricane Maria to know that under no circumstances will New York abandon them. We are in this for the long haul and will continue to not only send supplies, but do whatever else we can to support them as they embark on this long and difficult recovery process."
As part of the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort, Major League Baseball chartered a MD-11 cargo plane which carried more than 160,000 pounds of supplies to Puerto Rico on Thursday. The shipment included:
- 113,000 half-liter bottles of water
- 121,000 diapers
- 25,600 baby wipes
- 1,200 containers of baby food
Once on Puerto Rico, items are being distributed to those in need through a distribution network organized and supported by the Carlos Beltran Foundation and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The distribution network established by the Beltran Foundation and DHSES ensures that the generous donations of supplies from New Yorkers make it to communities in need quickly, safely and efficiently.
Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said, "Major League Baseball was pleased to coordinate the delivery of these necessary supplies to the people of Puerto Rico. This complements the significant efforts by our Clubs and players towards short-term relief and long-term recovery on the island. We thank Governor Cuomo, the New York Yankees, Bernie Williams, the Hispanic Federation and the Carlos Beltran Foundation for their collaboration in getting supplies to people in need."
Carlos Beltran, founder of the Carlos Beltran Foundation said, "Puerto Rico needs our help now more than ever and we are proud to partner with Governor Cuomo and the State of New York to provide critical supplies and assistance the island as they recover from Hurricane Maria. With this latest shipment, we give these individuals and their families hope and assurance that they are not alone as they embark on this journey to recovery."
"Delta is proud to partner with Governor Cuomo to bring supplies, infrastructure experts, and New York State Troopers to deliver the support and assistance the island's residents need at this crucial time," said Henry Kuykendall, Senior Vice President, Airport Operations-Northeast, Delta Air Lines. "Over the last two weeks, Delta has had the honor of transporting more than 200 State Troopers and hundreds of thousands of pounds of necessary supplies, from generators to baby formula. Our teams in New York, San Juan and around the world remain committed to helping Puerto Rico rebuild."
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, co-chair of the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort, said, "The bond between the Island of Puerto Rico and New York is deeply rooted, and over one million Puerto Ricans call New York home. Let's be clear, Puerto Ricans will always have a true friend and ally in New York, and we will never abandon ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. I'm proud to partner with Governor Cuomo to ensure that New York continues to provide much-needed assistance and resources."
Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, co-chair of the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort, said, "Governor Cuomo's unwavering commitment to helping our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico is providing the hope and support they need to recover and rebuild. I am proud to stand with our Governor, colleagues in the legislature, and the entire New York community, as we send off additional resources that will help residents restore the island."
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, "New York will continue to stand with Puerto Rico as they rebuild, and although there is a long road to recovery ahead, I know our families and friends on the island are rest assured that we will be with them every step of the way. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York is delivering personnel, resources and food for the men and women of Puerto Rico, to keep them strong during these difficult times and provide the energy and help needed to build the island new again."
To date, New York has deployed:
- 132 National Guard Military Police
- 60 National Guard soldiers
- Four Black Hawk helicopters
- 78 Volunteer Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners
- More than 70 Port Authority personnel
- More than 50 State Troopers
- 20 New York Power Authority experts
- Five-member logistical support team from the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
- Two Department of Environmental Conservation drone pilots
Prior to this shipment, New York previously sent more than 433,000 bottles of water, 19,000 canned goods, 59,000 packages of baby wipes, 89,000 packages of diapers, 40,000 containers of baby food, 15,000 juice pouches, 8,600 solar lamps, 6,300 pounds of dry food and 10 generators to the island.
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced the deployment of 78 medical personnel from across New York's health care community to provide Puerto Rico with critically-needed health care assistance across the island. The volunteer initiative was made possible by the generous efforts of Greater New York Hospital Association, the Healthcare Association of New York State, Community Health Care Association of New York State, New York State Nurses Association and 1199SEIU. The team of volunteers arrived yesterday and will be deployed for 14 days and will serve at either the Federal Medical Center in Manati or will provide support on the critical relief missions that are being carried out by Disaster Medical Assistance Teams across Puerto Rico.
In addition to the team of personnel, emergency medical supplies continue to be delivered to Puerto Rico via a partnership with GNYHA, the Afya Foundation, and UJA-Federation of New York. Working together to coordinate all aspects of the missions, including securing private jets and purchasing more than $1 million in supplies, the partnership has delivered more than 30,000 lbs. of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to 16 hospitals and health care organizations and 12 community organizations to help ensure that Puerto Rican residents have access to critical medical care. Shipments have included vital medical supplies including 3,000 vials of insulin, transplant surgery drugs, pediatric oncology drugs, antibiotics and vaccines.
Governor Cuomo has also engaged the Partnership for New York City, the city's leading business organization, to establish the Puerto Rico Relief & Rebuilding Fund at New York Community Trust, a public foundation, that will make grants to local charitable organizations in Puerto Rico that are helping with recovery and rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, focusing on the most needy households and communities. Funds and in-kind contributions are being solicited from the business community, with a minimum donation of $10,000.
For more information about the recovery and relief efforts underway in Puerto Rico, and to learn how you can assist, please visit the Governor's Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands webpage.