CLIA Recognizes Mercy Ships as Their Charity of Choice

Cruise Lines International Association to Partner with Mercy Ships to Promote Health and Well-Being in Developing Nations

News provided by

Cruise Lines International Association

Jul 16, 2015, 10:00 ET

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has selected Mercy Ships as their Charity of Choice. Through this partnership, CLIA will work with Mercy Ships to further endorse their initiatives to deliver healthcare to developing nations and make CLIA global members aware of the international nonprofit's mission and efforts.

Mercy Ships operates floating hospitals that provide training for medical professionals, along with curative surgical interventions. The partnership will help Mercy Ships gain increased visibility in the cruise industry as well as facilitate collaboration with CLIA and its members.

"We're proud to support the work that Mercy Ships is doing to increase access to healthcare throughout the world," said Thomas P. Ostebo, President and CEO, CLIA. "The partnership is a natural fit, and we are delighted to be working with this reputable organization who is making a positive difference in the world."

"As the world's largest cruise industry association, CLIA will bring great value to our organization," said Donovan Palmer, Group Managing Director for Mercy Ships. "Their knowledge of the industry and willingness to help get our message out to its members will be immeasurable."

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Mercy Ship volunteers have been able to operate across the globe. A few examples include:

78,000 life-changing operations such as cleft lip and palate repair, cataract removal, orthopedic procedures, facial reconstruction and obstetric fistula repair
353,000 dental procedures
Trained 5,800 local teachers
Trained 35,300 local professionals in their area of expertise (anesthesiology, midwifery, sterilization, orthopedic and reconstructive surgery, leadership)
Basic healthcare education classes for 183,000 local people
1,100 community development projects focusing on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice
Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2015, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA's mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as promote the cruise vacation experience. Members are committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry and are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and other cruise industry partners, including ports, destinations, ship developers, suppliers, business services and travel operators. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or www.cruiseforward.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on Facebook and Twitter pages.

About Mercy Ships
Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1 billion, treating more than 2.5 million direct beneficiaries. Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,600 volunteers from more than 40 nations. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org.

SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association