Friend Ships medical clinic provides help to refugees in Syria

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - Conditions are miserable for many in Syria where war has caused an ongoing disaster for people who live there.

The relief organization 'Friend Ships' has set up a medical clinic there on the border and reports they need several types of help.

The civil war in Syria has gone on for six years now-- and many people find themselves refugees in their own land.

Friend Ships has set up a medical clinic on the Syrian border with Israel to care for war victims. It's called Camp Ichay.

It offers extremely limited medical care yet spokesperson Teri Shields says what they provide is desperately needed...

Shields says they receive and buy different items including food and even beds they ship to Syria to help provide relief... yet they still collect new or like new clothing-- especially those needed for cold weather because it's winter there...

"We started collecting blankets and coats, hats gloves, and course it's moved into more now that we're seeing the patients we can see beyond what is obvious," said Shields.

And she says there's a particular need for children's under garments and men's shoes.

"It's winter there and for the most part they have on sandals and flip flops and those are not in good shape. It's a war there. It's not like you can just easily go out and buy something and even if you could it's not like they have the money to do so,"she said.

As well, they need medical personnel who might be willing to volunteer at the camp...

"We need desperately, we need doctors, we need nurses, we need medical providers. We also need people to just come and do the day to day tasks."

"Dental teams are wonderful. Would love more dental teams to come in," said Shields.

And local volunteers are needed to help sort items that will be donated to the camp-- described as an amazing collaboration between Americans, Israelis and Syrians-- along with Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Medical personnel interested in serving at the camp may email medical@friendships.org for more information. Officials say those who can carry out services by general practitioners, family doctors, pediatricians and general dental care are needed.

They are also looking for English/Arabic interpreters, security personnel and site workers to perform general work around the camp. Non-medical applicants should start by visiting www.friendships.org and following instructions.

Again they taking in donations of new underwear and socks, new or gently used warm coats, blankets and shoes.

A spokesman says for those who want to donate money they have a monthly budget of $20,000 for medicine, food, travel, shipping and miscellaneous expenses. They also have equipment needs that may be purchased for $150,000.

Friend Ships home base also needs volunteers. Call 337-433-5022 or go to www.friendships.org