FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster 202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Florida Doctor for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet Dr. Mark Asperilla upon arrival in Ft.
Myers, Florida, on Thursday, November 13, 2003. Asperilla, an infectious disease
specialist, is an active volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps.
Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA
Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their
neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the
country, like Asperilla, who are answering the call to volunteer service.
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Asperilla wanted to help
make his community stronger and better prepared to respond to emergency
situations, specifically in cases of terrorism or a biological attack. As a
result of his efforts, Asperilla formed a group of 35 physicians in Port
Charlotte, Florida, to help educate and inform Florida communities about how to
prepare and respond during these types of emergency situations. Currently,
Asperilla volunteers with the local Medical Reserve Corps unit, an important
Citizen Corps program that coordinates the skills of practicing and retired
physicians, nurses and other health professionals who are willing to volunteer
during emergency situations. Asperilla is also the founder of the Peace River
Boxing Club, a community center that provides at-risk youth with an athletic
challenge, positive role models and a supportive team atmosphere as an
alternative to drugs and violence. In 1994, Asperilla founded A.C.C.E.S.S. Care
Inc., a nonprofit organization that invites medical professionals to travel to
South America to provide free health care to individuals and families. He also
helped found the Charlotte County HIV Clinic, a medical clinic that offers free
health care for individuals coping with HIV/AIDS and volunteers twice each month
treating patients.
President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to
foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA
Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to
volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to
protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion
around the world. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own
neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by
calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
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