AHEPA is monitoring developments with the coronavirus pandemic with concern as the organization identifies safe ways to provide a response that meets AHEPA’s mission and strictly complies with government guidance.

“We stress to our members to comply strictly to government guidance and orders and to maintain social distancing if they are going to perform community service,” said Supreme President George Horiates. “The health, well-being, and safety of our members is a priority.”

AHEPA has been able to make a difference through the AHEPA Cares initiative:

• Ahepans are delivering food to health care professionals and to the homeless,
• Ahepans are donating blood,
• Daughters of Penelope members in Greece are making face masks, and
• Ahepans in Cyprus are facilitating affordable access to COVID-19 tests.

“We also cannot forget patients are being treated at AHEPA Hospital in Thessalonki and in the AHEPA Wing of Evangelismos Hospital,” Supreme President Horiates said. “We commend the medical and health care professionals who are on the front lines of treating patients at those and all public health facilities and hospitals, and the administrators and employees who keep the hospitals open and functioning during the pandemic. They inspire us.”

AHEPA has been reminding its members and the community that individuals can make a great impact from the safety and comfort of home.

“A priority is the completion of the U.S. Census, which we have been pushing since late February,” Horiates said. “It is vital for the Greek American community to be counted through the census. It is an easy process that takes no more than 15 minutes and individuals can take pride in fulfilling their civic duty.”

Also, Ahepans have been contacting their members of Congress to keep the issue of holding Turkey accountable on the radar of legislators.

In addition, AHEPA has extended its deadline for national scholarship applications to be submitted to April 30.

As a public service, we are providing a list of resources from the U.S. government, foreign governments, and industry/trade associations to help during this challenging time.

AHEPA’s COVID-19 Resource Center includes:

• links to federal agencies that are providing guidance and financial relief,
• public service announcements and “How To” videos, such as the Surgeon General’s “How to make a mask,”
• resources that track the spread of the virus, and
• announcements from various sectors of industry that you may find helpful.

Further, AHEPA has opened its Emergency Relief Fund to collect tax-deductible donations that will assist to those in need.

Finally, Ahepans are doing their best to practice brotherhood and community service while staying safe.

Ahepans are holding virtual tele-conferences and meetings to keep the spirit of fraternity and brotherhood alive and well. They are also discussing ways in which they can help those in need.

“We believe brotherhood and service cannot be isolated,” Supreme President Horiates said. “We will meet our worthy mission during this pandemic.”

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