Awake In America Replaces CPAPs Lost in Hurricane

PHILADELPHIA–Victims of Hurricane Ike who lost or left their
CPAPs behind may be able to get their equipment replaced thanks to
a disaster relief program operated by Awake In America.

The non-profit group, which focuses on sleep and sleep disorder
issues, said its Operation Restore CPAP provides direct assistance
to individuals who left their homes under emergency conditions,
whether under a mandatory evacuation order or those who, thinking
they would be home shortly after the hurricane passed, left their
belongings behind.

Operation Restore CPAP is the only disaster relief program of
its kind in the nation, assisting individuals who have been
diagnosed with sleep apnea and had been using a CPAP or bi-level
device at the time of the disaster, according to a statement from
the group.

“We’re hoping those hurricane victims with apnea will find the
many battles for replacing homes, furniture, vehicles and many
other essentials of life a little easier because of our program,”
said Michele Narcavage, president of Awake In America. “By quickly
replacing the CPAP or bi-level devices used by people with sleep
apnea to treat this potentially life-threatening disorder, we’re
hoping to help these people–victims of a major disaster–get the
proper sleep they need without risking their health or life.”

Supported by individual and corporate donations, Awake In
America initially launched Operation Restore CPAP in 2005 as a
response to Hurricane Katrina.

For more information about the program, visit the Awake in America
Web site at www.awakeinamerica.info.