Orlando doctor and medical team head for Puerto Rico

Orlando, Fla. — Orlando medical professionals from Florida Hospital are headed for Puerto Rico to help those affected by Hurricane Maria.

A doctor and a team of medical personnel boarded a Cessna plane at Orlando Executive Airport this morning to deliver supplies to the hurricane-ravaged island.

Dr. Arcilio Alvarado said aiding the island's recovery would be the biggest challenge of his career. His mission is to reopen a primary care facility.

"That way we can ... continue the care .. for patients (who) are diabetics (or who have) hypertension," he said. "We can provide that care as soon as possible."

Alvarado collected relief items such as canned food and bottled water at his Orlando and Kissimmee clinics,

"There is no power, no food, no water," he said. "It's my island, my people."

The Governor of Puerto Rico said 97 percent of the island is still without power.