Homes are seen inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey, Aug. 28, in Houston, Texas. Harvey, made landfall north of Corpus Christi late evening on Aug. 25.  (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Members of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the U.S., are concerned about the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and are raising financial aid to help people affected by the historic devastating storm.

“AAPI physicians represent only 10% of all physicians in the United States but service approximately 30% of the U.S. patient population,” Dr. Samadder said. “Many have fostered personal relationships with members of Congress (as well as the highest levels of Government in India) that are invaluable assets to influencing legislation and insuring appropriate, patient-focused healthcare reform. Our business partners can be assured of a receptive audience and, once engaged, a loyal client and ambassador of the product and company,” he added.

In this context, AAPI members are concerned about the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and are in the forefront to support and help people affected by the historic storm, said, Dr. Gautam Samadder, President of AAPI.

“Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas area with severe winds and flash flooding. This serious natural disaster inflexed a grave loss of lives and property. Our hearts are with the victims of the disaster. Our AAPI members and families were also suffering the damage. Still, they come forward to help the community at large,” said Dr. Sammader in a statement issued in Houston, Texas.

Patrick Biron (c) directs rescued families out of the water at Memorial Drive and North Eldridge Parkway in the Energy Corridor of west Houston, Texas where residents rescued from their flooded homes and apartments due to high water coming from the Addicks Reservoir after Hurricane Harvey. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi Aug. 25, had dumped more than 50 inches of rain in some areas in and around Houston. (Erich Schlegel/Getty Images)

While calling upon his fellow physicians to rise up to the occasion and give their best, Dr. Samadder said, “At this time of the need, it is our responsibility to provide all the possible assistance to the victims of this grave natural disaster in Texas. Our AAPI physicians in Texas will serve the victims at no charge for next 2-4 weeks. This gives a clear message that we care and we know how to give back to the community.”

AAPI appeals to all the members of AAPI to contribute to those affected by this natural disaster in Texas. Please write a check to AAPI (In the memo, please write Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund). The collected donation will be given to the Governor of Texas.

The donations are Tax Deductible. Please make your check payable to: American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (Harvey Relief Fund); and have the checks mailed to: AAPI Headquarters, 600 Enterprise Dr., Ste 108, Oak Brook, IL 60523. For additional information, please visit: www.aapiusa.org.