Indian American Physicians’ initiative ‘Share the Warmth’ brings comfort to needy  

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The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, in keeping with several years of tradition, held “Share the Warmth” events around the country, from Chicago to New Jersey and elsewhere, organized by its state chapters.

According to AAPI President Dr. Ravi Kolli, the events were supported by “dozens” of chapters and “thousands of people across the nation” benefitted.

The events were held in February and since 2019, AAPI’s “Share The Warmth” project has donated thousands of blankets to the poor and the needy in several homeless shelters across the nation every year.

Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, vice chair of AAPI Board of Trustees and chair of the Share The Warmth program said, “We had nearly 30 state Chapters of AAPI who participated in this program and helped about 3,000 homeless and other needy citizens, which is a commendable gesture.”

In Georgia alone, for example, the AAPI chapter jumped into action distributing blankets to those stranded and without power during this cold winter, in the aftermath of a devastating Tornado striking parts of the state. Meanwhile, Dr. Madhavi Gorusu, director of Medical Oncology at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Hartford HealthCare, AAPI donated blankets to LifeStar, who in turn provided blankets to local EMS, the Hartford Hospital Emergency Department, and the Neighborhood Health team to hand out in the community.

Dr. V. Ranga, chair of APPI BOT, said AAPI was grateful for the opportunity to give back to the less fortunate. And Dr. Anjana Samadder, president-elect of AAPI, called it a “one-of-a-kind experience for the teams of physicians and young volunteers alike to give of their time everywhere.

“This has been a one-of-a-kind experience for the teams of physicians and young volunteers alike who have generously volunteered their time and resources to bring joy to the less fortunate. I want to thank all the State Chapter leaders for their commitment and their enthusiastic participation,” said. Vice President of AAPI Dr. Satheesh Kathula said the purpose of the program had been accomplished.

AAPI launched the “Share-A-Blanket” project during the holiday season in 2019 when Dr. Suresh Reddy was the president. That year, Dr. Binod Sinha, founder president of NJ AAPI in New Jersey organized and conducted it successfully and since then it has been held annually by AAPI and local Chapters of AAPI, a press release from the organization said.