Initial estimates from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator indicate that the earthquake has injured more than 8,174, and at least 4,358 people have lost their lives. Nearly eight million people in the region have been severely affected by the earthquake, and these numbers are expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue and the total number of people affected by the disaster is determined. The disaster has destroyed essential public infrastructure and displaced thousands of people from their homes, spurring fears of food and water shortages, and the spread of waterborne and infectious diseases. Global relief organizations are actively engaged in meeting the needs of those affected by the earthquake.

“The most substantial, expeditious, and effective way to help those affected by  disaster is to give a monetary donation to a relief organization that is already working to provide aid to those in need,” said Juanita Rilling, Director of USAID’s Center for International Disaster Information. “USAID CIDI is proud to be working with the Ad Council to ensure this important message reaches all Americans who want to help.”

The Ad Council was able to act quickly after the earthquake to distribute the PSAs this week because of their partnership with USAID CIDI.  They originally came together to develop consistent messages that can be used in times of crisis to motivate people to donate money in support of domestic and international relief efforts. The television, print and banner PSAs were developed by Free Range Studios.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh in the aftermath of this tragedy,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We’re pleased to be able to launch this campaign that helps communicate the importance of monetary donations to support the many organizations helping with relief efforts, and quickly and efficiently reach those affected by the disaster.”

The PSAs were distributed to media outlets nationwide on Wednesday. Extreme Reach donated the digital distribution for television PSAs.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshaling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to affect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.

USAID
Since 1961, the United States Agency for International Development has been the principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms. The Agency mission is to end extreme poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity.

USAID Center for International Disaster Information (USAID CIDI)
CIDI is an education organization that focuses on effective public donations in support of international disaster response. Through outreach, partnerships and the PSAid Competition (www.psaid.org), CIDI promotes successful alliances between donors and relief agencies to provide assistance to disaster affected people quickly, efficiently and economically. 

Since 1988, USAID CIDI has responded to public inquires about donations and has become a trusted thought leader on effective support of disaster response. The Center partners closely with the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S.  Foreign Disaster Assistance, the U.S. government’s “first responder” to disasters overseas. USAID CIDI works with the general public, ethnic and diaspora populations in the U.S. on optimal contributions to international disaster relief, and collaborates with domestic and international aid organizations and coalitions on constructive public engagement.

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Contact:

Ellyn Fisher
The Ad Council
212-984-1964
[email protected]