Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Second Relief Flight to Armenia to Aid Displaced Families
BOONE, N.C., Oct. 12, 2023—Today, Samaritan’s Purse deployed a second relief flight to Armenia containing more than 23 tons of emergency supplies to further assist families who have had to flee their homes because of the fighting. In less than a week since the international Christian relief organization’s first airlift to this crisis, Samaritan’s Purse disaster response specialists have distributed emergency relief items including hygiene kits and blankets to more than 700 displaced people. In addition to these relief flights and distributions, Samaritan’s Purse has three burn specialty teams on the ground who have treated more than 50 severely burned patients so far.
These emergency relief flights would not have been possible without overflight permissions expeditiously granted by the nation of Turkey. The international Christian relief organization is grateful to the officials who made this possible. Both Samaritan’s Purse and Armenia were able to help in Turkey when the devastating earthquake struck on February 6. Samaritan’s Purse deployed an Emergency Field Hospital which treated over 8,000 patients in Turkey, and Armenia sent invaluable search and rescue teams.
“As suffering continues for thousands of displaced families in Armenia, Samaritan’s Purse will continue to meet needs in Jesus’ Name,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “None of this life-saving work would be possible without the many faithful prayers from around the world along with our friends in Turkey who have granted us access to their airspace in order to help those suffering in Armenia. We are so grateful for their support and collaboration.”
The DC-8 cargo plane is transporting items including surgical supplies and equipment for burn patients, emergency nutrition commodities for people suffering from malnutrition, blankets, hygiene kits, and winter coats. One patient who Samaritan’s Purse medical teams treated for severe burns said that he now has hope because of the help he received.
Media Opportunities
- Interview Edward Graham, chief operating officer for Samaritan’s Purse
- Interview Aaron Ashoff, deputy director of International Projects for Samaritan’s Purse
- Remote interviews from Armenia available upon request
- High-quality photos and B-roll available upon request
About Samaritan’s Purse
Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan’s Purse responds to physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations–especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.
