Week of 11/15/2011  For more information, contact: John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations 301.680.6357 (office) 301.680.6370 (fax) John.Torres@adra.org   ADRA Distributes Emergency Food Supplies to Flood Victims in Ghana Posted November 15, 2011 SILVER SPRING, Md. - Ghana's capital city of Accra has been inundated by torrential rains, opening way for floodwaters to overwhelm the city. The rains, which occurred during the end of October, killed at least 14 people and displaced more than 43,000 others, as stated by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding to the situation by way of distributing emergency rations of food to affected persons. The distribution is providing more than 1,500 individuals with a three-week supply of food including maize, beans, cooking oil, portable drinking water, and salt; all of which are considered staple food items in the local diet. In addition, these ingredients offer nutritious carbohydrates and proteins, which provide high levels of energy and protection against disease. Read more ADRA Supporter Travels Across Country on Bicycle to Raise Funds for Cameroon Water Project Posted November 15, 2011 SILVER SPRING, Md. - With nothing more than a bicycle, a few personal belongings, and a lot of heart, Jose Merlos is on a 15,000-mile mission to raise money for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency's (ADRA) water project in Cameroon. This life-changing journey is Merlos' way of making a positive difference at home and abroad. Merlos, who is now 28, paired his desire to help others with ADRA's ongoing project to drill wells and install water systems in Cameroon. Leaving behind his family and friends, Merlos began his expedition across the 48 contiguous states in efforts to raise money towards this cause. Read more Taking A Stand: ADRA Commemorates World Aids Day Posted November 15, 2011 SILVER SPRING, Md. - The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is preparing to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, joining millions around the world in support of this year's theme, Getting to Zero. Zero New HIV Infections.Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. Through ADRA's interactive online resources, supporters of the cause are provided with ways to contribute towards the eradication of the disease, as well as educate and promote awareness to others. These resources include a World AIDS Day Event Guide, which includes testimonies from people who are living with HIV/AIDS, important facts and information to nullify myths and stereotypes regarding HIV/AIDS, a newsletter/church bulletin insert, a pulpit announcement, and a poster that can be used to raise awareness of World AIDS Day in local churches, schools, community centers, and businesses. Read more ADRA Helps Improve the Lives of Refugees in Yemen Posted November 15, 2011 SILVER SPRING, Md. - In Yemen, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is working with urban refugees to help them further assimilate in Yemeni society and improve their overall livelihood through the Support for Urban Refugees project (SUR). This multi-faceted project is providing approximately 2,000 refugees with training in marketable skills, thereby increasing individual levels of self-reliance, which translates to increased opportunities for employment and enhanced contributions within their community. Read more