The Jackson chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Mississippi, an affiliate of the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans, is reaching out to blind people and their families to make sure that they can access drinking water and meet related needs during the current crisis. The effort is also made possible through the generosity of the National Association of Blind Merchants, which is also an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind.

On October 1, chapter president Dr. Lashawna Fant and Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, distributed bottled water to the homes of eighteen blind Jacksonians. President Riccobono also addressed Federation members virtually and in person live from the auditorium of the Mississippi School for the Blind, and those attending the event in person were able to take bottled water home with them. Those who were unable to attend the event can still access the large remaining supply of bottled water by contacting Dr. Fant. In addition, they can contact her for access to ride credits from Uber and Lyft that they can use to offset transportation costs related to getting what they need during this time.

“The National Federation of the Blind is not only an advocacy movement, but also an organization through which blind people work directly to meet each other’s needs,” said Candace Chapman, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Mississippi. “We are proud to support the blind community in Jackson by meeting the need for drinking water and for affordable transportation during the city’s current crisis.”

“The Jackson chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is here to support our extended blind family in our community, and we appreciate the additional support of the state and national organizations as well as the National Association of Blind Merchants,” said Dr. Lashawna Fant, president of the Jackson chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Mississippi. “Together with love, hope, and determination, we are meeting the needs of blind Jacksonians so that they can continue to live the lives they want even in this difficult time.”