Greek Volunteers Manage the Impossible

By Vasilis Georgiou, Huffington Post

The story of how the Metropolitan Community Clinic at Helliniko (MCCH) came to be, is the model of how the Greek people can triumph over adversity and find their way back to a better future: Greeks coming together in a way that benefits Greek society for the collective good.

MCCH was born out of the inspiration of a small group of doctors and volunteers in the summer of 2011. Like any other worthwhile cause, it sprang out of adversity and conflict. The goal of the clinic is to provide primary health care to all patients who are uninsured, jobless or poor and destitute.

The effort has become a movement, with over two hundred volunteers serving thousands of Greek families and children. This effort has become my inspiration. It brought into focus my desire to help my ancestral homeland, in a way that can make the most difference.

Last year, my wife Anastasia and I, created a non-profit organization, www.AthenaHumanitarianRelief.org, with the purpose of raising funds to help the clinic. Any funds raised are used to buy medical supplies and necessities for the patients and children, who come to the clinic by the thousands every year. My goal is to be able to deliver supplies and medicines on a monthly basis directly to the clinic.

Hundreds of Greeks, if not thousands, have died as a result of the lack of access to medical care due to the crisis. This clinic makes a huge difference in that outcome. I call on my fellow Greek Americans and friends of Greece anywhere to join me in the effort to help the clinic. Join my cause and let's make a difference.

Follow this link for more information on the clinic.

Visit Athena Humanitarian Relief (www.AthenaHumanitarianRelief.org) to join the effort.