Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ? Tuesday, September 14, 2004.
BRA?s Executive Director, Ulrick Gaillard, met today with Dr. Enrique Martinez Reyes, the newly appointed director of the Dominican?s State Sugar Council (CEA). Also present at the meeting was Maria Virtudes Berroa, BRA Dominicana?s Executive Director.

The purpose for the high level meeting was for the two directors to know each other, provide updates on BRA?s humanitarian health projects in the bateyes and to secure the CEA?s commitment to remain actively involved in the health care needs of the poor marginalized inhabitants of the bateyes. ?The bateyes cannot be forgotten. It is the duty of all of us to continue to work together in finding the most sensible and effective ways to enhance living conditions in these impoverished communities,? said Ulrick Gaillard.

Since BRA?s inception, the CEA has been a key partner to BRA in the development of a sustainable health care infrastructure in the bateyes. ?Our country is thankful for the continued collaboration and support offered by the BRA to the CEA. We will continue this partnership because it makes sense and saves lives,? said Dr. Enrique Reyes.

Today, BRA offers permanent care with free medicines and vitamins to more than 10,000 in 35 bateyes of Monte Plata. Through the distribution of essential drugs, vitamins, nutrition and medical supplies to its 12 local member organizations and partner government agencies, BRA serves another 80,000 individuals who have limited access to basic health care in various urban, rural and border zone communities of the Dominican Republic with Haiti.

BRA?s health care intervention in the bateyes involves various programs including a mobile health clinic, medical center complex (in construction), blindness prevention, health care training and education, medical/eye care mission trips, distribution of drugs and medical supplies, placement of volunteers, pediatric care, HIV/AIDS education/prevention/treatment and disaster relief.

For more information on how to donate to BRA, please contact Ulrick Gaillard at bra@bateyrelief.org or (917) 627-5026.