Mercy Ships to be Featured on CBS’ “60 Minutes”

Mercy Ships, the international nonprofit organization that operates hospital ships and provides medical aid to those in need, will be featured on CBS’ “60 Minutes” on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. EST.

The segment, which was reported by award-winning journalist Scott Pelley, will highlight the mission of Mercy Ships to bring hope and healing to the developing world by using hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services.

Mercy Ships medical services include cleft lip and palate repair, cataract removal, orthapaedic procedures, maxilla-facial reconstruction and plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair and dental care. The organization also trains local medical professionals in their area of expertise and completes community development projects that focus on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture.

Mercy Ships says that on May 2012, Pelley and a team of “60 Minutes” producers came onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity ship and the Mercy Ships floating hospital. The ship includes six state-of-the-art operating rooms, an intensive care unit, CT Scanner and bed space for up to 78 patients. During their stay, the “60 Minutes” crew interviewed a variety of staff, crew and volunteers including Mercy Ships Founder/President Don Stephens; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Parker; and Captain Jon Fadely. Additionally, “60 Minutes” captured the stories of several patients including those being treated for cataracts and maxilla-facial conditions.

“We are thrilled to be sharing our story with a national audience,” said Stephens. “Our hope is that everyone who watches our story will have a better understanding of our work, and will keep our mission in their thoughts and prayers.”

Readers who wish to volunteer their time and talents or make a donation can learn more by visiting http://www.mercyships.org.

We will also feature the episode here on gCaptain once it hits the web next week.

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. 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, with more than 2.35 million direct beneficiaries. Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care 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.

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