The Hope for Haiti will Rely on Steady Support from Multiple Organizations

The U.S. Military, Red Cross and U.N. are playing an important role in saving tens of thousands of lives in Haiti thereafter,  private sector charities and organizations will play an important role.

Estimates predict that over 3 million people will be affected by the earthquake in Haiti. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are dead. More have lost their homes. One must have deep respect for the individuals that serve as volunteers, medical professionals, peace keepers, and the members of U.S. military that are providing relief. Private charities will play an increasingly more important role in the future well-being of the people of Haiti.

The U.S. Military and many other American organizations quickly swung into action to organize and assist the people in need when the disaster in Haiti occurred. These organizations are uniquely trained, organized and qualified to respond quickly and take action when humanitarian tragedies occur.

This reality was demonstrated when the troops on the ground in Haiti took control of the airport to expedite the distribution of equipment and supplies. While the U.S. military secured the airport, the U.N. sent patrols to secure the peace in the streets. The Red Cross also became a major player in the call for relief. This assistance and commitment broadens as many other organizations, like Naval Units, UNICEF, Catholic Relief Services, CARE, IMEC, Samaritans Purse, and The Gates Foundation become involved.

Yesterday, the Navy’s “Comfort”, a hospital ship which supports 12 operating rooms and 200 beds, sped toward Haiti.  In the face of the aftermath of an earthquake, more assistance will soon be required, because infectious diseases are likely to spread.

The immediate response organizations involve securing supply chains, maintaining order and getting food, shelter, clean water, medical equipment and supplies help to the people of Haiti. After the immediate needs are addressed, the next risk factors involve the spread of sickness and disease, like dysentery, cholera, typhoid, malaria, dengue fever, e. coli and more.

In the wake of this human tragedy other risks occur because of unsanitary conditions and lack of infrastructure. This is where Samaritans Purse, The Red Cross and organizations like IMEC and Intervol get involved. Segments of these organizations provide expertise, support, supplies and medical equipment that are necessary in the rebuilding process. Often donations from large American corporations are important to the successes of these organizations.

The initial wave of help will save tens of thousands of lives.  We owe a great deal of gratitude towards the military organizations and volunteers who are donating their services and providing economic means to save lives. Individuals, who wish to continue to donate their time or economic resources, are advised to work through organizations and groups with contacts and experience in the area of humanitarian relief. A list of a ten such organizations are provided herein.

Ten Organizations Involved in Global Relief Programs

1)       The American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross is currently in Haiti working on relief. Donations are welcome

Contact: By phone at 1800 RED CROSS,   or  Text message donations to 90999 and text  ”HAITI” to donate $10.00 or more. Contact: www.redcross.org

2)       Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Service’s partners are moving food, water and medical supplies into Haiti. Donations appreciated.

Contact: www.CRS.org

3)       CARE

Care has approximately 140 people on the ground serving people of Haiti. CARE is providing immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. Donations can be made on the web.

Contact: www.care.org

4)        The Gates Foundation

The Gates foundation website provides additional information about Haiti and Global initiatives. The Gates foundation awarded two grants to support the people of Haiti. Grants have been awarded to Catholic Relief Services and Partners in Health to support efforts in Haiti.  For more information visit the Gates foundation on the web. Contact: www.gatesfoundation.org

5)       International Medical Equipment Cooperative (IMEC)

IMEC coordinates 100s of volunteers to package and ship entire hospital suites of Medical Equipment and Supplies to equip hospitals and infirmaries at no cost to the receiving country.  Learn about IMEC’s Sheparding program on the web.

Contact: By Phone at 987-557-5510, or on the web at www.imecamerica.org

6)       Intervol  “A Humanitarian Success Story”

Gathers and recycles equipment and supplies to ship to third world countries.

Intervol  organizes  volunteer medical professions to donate services in areas of need. Intervol has ongoing needs for donations to collect, sort and distribute goods.

Contact:  By Phone at 585-922-5810, or on the web at www.Intervol.org

7)       Samaratan’s Purse

Samaratan’s Purse mobilizes volunteers and  professionals to donate services for disaster relief, community development and more.  

Contact: By Phone at 1800-528-1960, or on the web at  www.samaritanspurse.org 

8)       Partners in Health(PIH)

PIH has worked in Haiti for over 20 years. Recently PIH received a donation from The Gates Foundation.   Donations appreciated.

Contact: www.PIH.org

9)       UNICEF

Status: Provides emergency aid which is airlifted to ensure the health and safety of children at risk.

Contact: www.unicef.org

 10)   World Vision

World Vision has worked 30 years in Haiti. World Vision has about a staff in Haiti. They have been delivering hygiene kits, clothes, food and water.

Contact: www.worldvision.org

For more information on medical supplies and medical conditions visit http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com or the Medical Health Supply Guide on the web at  http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com.  To view current photographs of Haiti, follow this link to American Red Cross photographs.