Suzanne Puzo, a Canadian Red Cross nurse, removes bandages on Danise Diverge, 10, in Croix Desprez. Photo: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
The situation in Haiti remains desperate, but support from the American public is making its way into the hands of survivors and more help is on the way.
An update on Red Cross relief efforts (Jan. 19):
- Red Cross teams are delivering clean drinking water to survivors gathering in six communities.
- Red Cross responders from six countries are treating injuries and triaging people for surgery at hospitals and medical centers in Port-au-Prince, Carrefour and Jacmel.
- Planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are arriving in the region every day, delivering medical supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets.
- The American Red Cross is donating 2.9 million pre-packaged meals from its stocks in the United States to the World Food Program for distribution in Haiti
- In the days ahead, the American Red Cross will provide supplies for temporary shelters in Haiti. Kits, containing wood, tarps, rope and tools, as well as tents and blankets, will be made available for an initial 20,000 families.
- Approximately 100 American Red Cross Creole-speaking volunteers will be aboard the USNS Comfort to translate for patients.
American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern is on the ground in Haiti visiting relief operations and helping to coordinate the distribution of aid.
- McGovern is visiting one of 11 mobile posts where volunteers are working to treat wounded survivors, as well a Red Cross relief distribution center where family kits, water and shelter supplies are being organized and given to survivors.
- There are more than 400 Red Cross workers from around the world in Haiti as well as thousands of local Red Cross volunteers.
Haiti is going to require massive long term relief and development, and the Red Cross will be there to help.
- What took minutes to destroy will take many years and the collective support from governments and relief agencies across the world to help mend.
- Terrible times like these bring out the best in people, and we are grateful for the support being given to the American Red Cross. This generosity will help thousands of survivors cope with and recover from their losses.
How to Help
While the American Red Cross appreciates heartfelt offers to travel to Haiti or to donate household items, at this time, what the Red Cross needs the most are financial contributions – whether by check, online or by phone.
You can make a donation online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors can designate their gifts to Haiti relief. You can also donate $10 to Haiti relief by texting “HAITI” to 90999.
