VCOM and New Partners Take a Step
to Improve Global Health

Blacksburg, VA – July 21, 2009 –

Premier Transfer & Storage, Inc. of Salem, VA supplied trucks and shipping services for 8 truckloads containing a total of 35,000 pairs of shoes donated to VCOM by Shoe Levelers of Roanoke, VA.

The Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)  announced a new partnership with Foot Levelers,  Premier Transfer and Storage, and Burch Enterprises to take a step against poverty by helping to provide free footwear to those in need.  The free footwear is just one component of a larger VCOM global health initiative that includes education and preventive health efforts to decrease the prevalence of foot injuries, and parasitic, bacterial and fungal infection to improve the quality of life for many communities throughout the Dominican Republic, Honduras and El Salvador. Foot Levelers donated more than 35,000 pairs of new sandals, work boots, dress and athletic shoes for distribution to those in need in communities served by VCOM’s three international sites in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Honduras. Foot Levelers has donated millions of dollars to chiropractic colleges and healthcare causes over the years. Their tradition of supporting worthy causes continues with this donation to those in need. With generous donors such as Foot Levelers, VCOM will be able to continue its important global health initiatives. “We are honored to support the admirable work of the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM),” said Foot Levelers President and CEO Kent S. Greenawalt. “They have an exceptional commitment to education and research. Additionally, they place an emphasis on helping people in need around the world. Foot Levelers shares this humanitarian ideal and is proud to partner with VCOM in this important endeavor.”

Premier Transfer and Storage donated seven 53’ trailers and staff and logistical support to ship the shoes from the Foot Levelers Roanoke, VA location to a Burch Enterprises warehouse location in Christiansburg, VA where storage and handling has been donated. VCOM will coordinate distribution of shoes to those living in poverty through their permanent primary care clinics and student mission trips in collaboration with foundations, governments and other agencies in the three Latin American countries where VCOM is primarily working.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year of VCOM’s ongoing International Outreach and Missions program, and represents VCOM’s ongoing commitment to partnering with local organizations to improve the health of those here at home and abroad.  Since the start of VCOM’s international initiatives, VCOM doctors and students have provided care to more than 12,000 people living in very desperate conditions who often lack food or clothing, much less a few dollars to purchase shoes. 

Footwear donated from this initiative will help prevent parasitic, bacterial and fungal infections and foot injuries in villages in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Honduras.  Many living in the villages served by VCOM have severely worn, inappropriately sized or no shoes at all, leaving them susceptible to foot injuries, parasites, bacteria and fungus that can infect their feet and cause other severe health problems.  Prevention, through the use of appropriate shoes, has been proven to help prevent disease and injury.  Through the great generosity of Foot Levelers, and with the logistical support and assistance of Premier Transport and Burch Enterprises, VCOM will be able to outfit several entire villages with shoes – a simple intervention that can help to control parasites, improve the quality of life and even save lives.

Loy Burch, owner of Burch Enterprises, who donated warehouse space for the shoes given to VCOM by Shoe Levelers, overseeing unloading of a shipment.

“We are excited to partner with Foot Levelers and Premier Transfer and Storage, and to continue our partnership with Burch Enterprises to help those in need,” said Dixie Tooke Rawlins, Dean and Executive Vice President of VCOM.  “The combined efforts of all of our partners will help VCOM continue to provide much needed health services to the neediest communities around the world, while at the same time contributing to VCOM’s ongoing mission of providing compassionate and sustainable healthcare.  Together we can provide shoes, an essential that is often not affordable where we work.”

John Phillips, President of Premier Transfer and Storage said, “With so many children in need around the world, we are proud to volunteer our time to assist the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Foot Levelers in their quest to provide thousands of pairs of shoes for needy children and adults.”

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ABOUT THE PARTNERS

VCOM The Edward Via Virginia College of  Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is a four year osteopathic medical college which provides medical education and research programs to prepare globally minded, community-focused physicians and improves the health of those most in need.  VCOM has a high-tech medical campus in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, Virginia and has operated with a collaborative partnership with Virginia Tech since 2002.  VCOM was ranked in the top ten medical schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for its high number of graduate physicians entering primary care medical disciplines.   Each year, more than 150 first and second year VCOM students participate in one-week missions and over 70 third and fourth year VCOM students spend a month abroad providing medical care in countries where VCOM has established clinics.     VCOM Medical Student Jeff Gillis '12, VCOM Medical Student Andrew Lawson '12, Premier Transfer President John Phillips, Premier Marketing Director Jaime Clark, Burch Enterprises Loy Burch, VCOM Dean Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, VCOM Board of Directors' Chair John Rocovich, VCOM Assistant VP of International and Appalachian Outreach Dean Sutphin

 Foot Levelers
Foot Levelers is the world’s exclusive provider of Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers, which are custom-made orthotics. Scientifically designed to support all three arches of the foot, Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers help align the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back to provide a balanced foundation for the body. Foot Levelers has served the healthcare profession for more than 55 years and its products have helped millions of people enjoy fuller and happier lives at work, home, or at play.    

Premier Transfer and Storage
Premier Transfer & Storage Inc. is one of the most respected firms in the industry offering quality services to residential and commercial clients throughout the United States and internationally. Locally owned and operated for more than 50 years, Premier takes pride in the personal interest provided with every move.  The trained professional staff can provide assistance in every aspect of a move - from packing belongings to setting up furniture at the final destination.

 Burch Enterprises
Burch Properties, based in Christiansburg Virginia, is locally owned.  The Burch family has consistently supported community development and has a long-term benevolent interest, particularly in the poor communities of Honduras.  They provide storage space for medical supplies and equipment received by the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) for use in Appalachian Outreach and in the VCOM international clinics.  The Burch property warehouse serves as a staging area for container shipments in collaboration with other benevolent organizations and through direct support from VCOM.