Sen. Blumenthal visits Stamford-based foundation aiding relief efforts in Puerto Rico

Sen. Richard Blumenthal visited the Stamford-based Americares Foundation Friday for an update on their relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is still facing the effects of the earthquake that hit in late December. Aftershocks continue to damage communities’ homes.
The Puerto Rico Seismic Network says over 1,000 quakes have shaken the island over the past two weeks.

Kate Dischino, vice president of Emergency Programs, says Americares isn’t new to Puerto Rican aid efforts.

"Americares has been responding to hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico since 2017, and we've been on the island ever since,” says Dischino.

Over those two years, Americares has sent 100 shipments to Puerto Rico full of hygiene supplies, medicine and solar-powered lights, along with a special focus on counseling for survivors.
"Our mental health experts, who are going out in the field every single day, have provided more than 350 consultations to earthquake survivors,” says Dischino.

Sen. Blumenthal says the $16 billion in aid funding released by the Trump administration this week seems like too little, too late.
"This aid comes with strings attached, such as barring its use for the electric grid, which is self-defeating,” says Sen. Blumenthal.