For Immediate Release
October 24, 2005

ARMENIA FUND USA THANKS UNITED ARMENIAN FUND FOR HUMANITARIAN AID SHIPPING ASSISTANCE

For the second time in 3 Months, the Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center Receives Critically-Needed Supplies with the Help of UAF

NEW YORK, New York - For the second time in three months, United Armenian Fund (UAF) has come to the aid of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh by making it possible for Armenia Fund USA to ship free of charge those items critically needed for their well-being and survival. This time the shipment is over $400,000 in medical supplies and equipment destined for the Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center, a healthcare facility located in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh and made a reality only because of the donors of Armenia Fund USA. The medical supplies and equipment donated by Project C.U.R.E. of Centennial, Colorado, are critical to the day-to-day operations of this new Polyclinic and include examining tables and gurneys as well as smaller day-to-day items. But, even though the items were donated, the shipping costs would have proven to be prohibitive without the generous “paid in full” shipping costs that were underwritten by the United Armenian Fund.

The medical supplies and equipment warehoused in Tennessee and earmarked for Armenia completely filled one 40-foot ocean cargo container and weighed more than 23,000 pounds (11 ½ tons!)... a mammoth logistical challenge for Armenia Fund USA, based in New York City. But with the help of Project C.U.R.E.’s Nashville volunteers, the 40- foot ocean cargo container provided by United Armenian Fund, was loaded [Saturday, October 22] and sent on its way on October 24th. After winding its way over more than 500 miles of rolling hills and farmlands of the southern United States, the container will board a ship in Charleston, South Carolina and begin its long voyage of almost 6,000 miles. At the end of its journey, much-needed medical supplies will arrive to a mountainous and remote region of the world that is still recovering from years of war of the post-Soviet era.

Additionally, on its 134th Airlift in late July 2005, United Armenian Fund, based in Glendale, California, transported much-needed Window Screen Kits, valued at over $2,300, to Armenia. With hammers ready, carpenters waited anxiously for these much-needed screens knowing their installation was critical in order to attain the hygiene and sanitation standards set forth by Armenia Fund USA for the new state-of-the-art outpatient medical facility’s impending opening in late fall 2005. The workmen were not disappointed and the screens are now installed!

The UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary Association of America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the Lincy Foundation.

For more information, contact the UAF office at 1101 North Pacific Avenue, Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818) 241-8900.

About Project C.U.R.E.: For more information about Project C.U.R.E. and its generous gift to Armenia Fund USA’s work in Karabakh, contact Arpiné Kocharyan, Armenia Fund USA, for a copy of the September 2, 2005 press release.

About the Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center: The Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center was funded by a U.S. businessman in memory of his aunt. The Polyclinic, one of the Fund’s major initiatives, has created a strong, long-term quality/state-of-the-art outpatient healthcare center in the conflict-torn region of Nagorno-Karabakh. For more information about this project, contact Arpiné Kocharyan at Armenia Fund USA.

ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA FUND USA, founded in 1992, was the first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 18 international affiliates and serves constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit, non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all Armenian constituents.

Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 18 international affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia and Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles of roads, 100 miles of waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission networks, 210 residential buildings and 15 healthcare institutions.

Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development of strategic socio-economic infrastructure in Armenia and Karabakh, focusing on major projects such as major highways, schools, drinking water to communities and humanitarian programs in education, training and medical facilities. The Fund has adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.

To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, please visit our website at
www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org or call us at 212-689-5307.