For Immediate Release
March 10, 2006

ARMENIA FUND USA ANNOUNCES OPERATION BLESSING INTERNATIONAL’S DONATION OF $569,000 OF MEDICINES

United Armenian Fund Makes their safe arrival and distribution possible for Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh

NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA is pleased to announce the generous donation of medicines valued at $569,000 for medical centers and healthcare providers in the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The humanitarian aid provided by Operation Blessing International of Virginia Beach, VA includes much-needed, high quality medicines- including antibiotics- which are often unavailable and cost-prohibitive to obtain. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing International is a non-profit relief and development organization dedicated to bringing hope to millions through hunger relief, medical care, outreach programs, and disaster relief.

Armenia Fund USA’s partnership with Operation Blessing International spreads a powerful message of caring and humanitarian relief and make it possible to reach those in need.

Additionally, Armenia Fund USA is indebted to United Armenian Fund (UAF). For the third time in recent months, UAF made it possible to ship free of charge items critically needed for the well-being and survival of the Armenian people in the homelands. This time the shipment, which weighs more than 6,000 pounds, is destined for polyclinics and medical centers throughout Armenia and Karabakh. United Armenian Fund, through its humanitarian services and strong relationship with respective government authorities, was vital to securing both the clearance of the medications by the Ministries of Health of both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and, ultimately, their transport from Operation Blessing International’s warehouses in Virginia to Yerevan, Armenia through UAF’s 137th humanitarian airlift scheduled to arrive in mid-March.

The Ministries of Health of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh have each expressed their appreciation to Armenia Fund USA, Operation Blessing International and the United Armenian Fund for making this humanitarian relief available. A great support to the region striving to improve their healthcare systems, the medications will be available to medical facilities like Armenia Fund USA’s newly-constructed Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh. Located in the region’s capital and replacing the previous Soviet-era clinic that was seriously damaged during the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, it is the first and only full care outpatient medical center in Nagorno-Karabakh.

About Armenia Fund USA: Armenia Fund USA, founded in 1992, was one of the first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 19 international affiliates and serves constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit, non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all Armenian constituents.

Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 19 international affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia and Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles of roads, 100 miles of waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission networks, 210 residential buildings and 15 healthcare institutions. Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development of strategic socio-economic infrastructure in Armenia and Karabakh, focusing on major projects such as major highways, schools, drinking water to communities and humanitarian programs in education, training and medical facilities. The Fund has adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.

About Operation Blessing International: Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing International is a 501(c )(3) faith-based, non-profit relief and development organization dedicated to bringing hope to millions through hunger relief, medical care, outreach programs, and disaster relief. Since inception, it has touched the lives of more than 184.9 million people in 96 countries and all 50 states, providing goods and services valued at more than $1.1 billion.

About United Armenia Fund: Founded in 1989 and based in Glendale, CA, the United Armenia Fund is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary Association of America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the Lincy Foundation. To date, UAF has sponsored and prepared 136 airlifts and delivered over $428 million of aid to Armenia.

To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, please visit our website at
www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org or call us at 212-689-5307.

Armenia Fund USA
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 301
New York, NY 10038