The only difference between adventure and disaster is preparedness.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

More Info on the Devastation in Haiti




The situation in Haiti remains desperate, but support from the American public is making it into the hands of survivors and more help is on the way.
• Red Cross teams from other nations are delivering clean drinking water to survivors gathering in six different communities.
• In addition to the first aid posts, outreach teams are also aiding the injured in nearby camps. 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 much needed materials such as medical supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets. So far, more than 500 tons of Red Cross aid has been mobilized.
• The American Red Cross is providing approximately 3 million pre-packaged meals in partnership with the World Food Program 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.
• In Florida, American Red Cross chapters are providing a variety of support services as citizens return to the United States from Haiti. These services may vary slightly depending on the individuals’ needs when they arrive, but may include shelter, food, emotional support, basic first aid, comfort kits and referrals to other community services.
Haiti is going to require a massive long term relief and development, and the Red Cross will be there to help.

• It is clear that that what took minutes to destroy will take many years and the collective support from governments and relief agencies across the world to help mend.
• The American Red Cross is working in close coordination with other responding organizations and will undoubtedly collaborate on joint, long-term recovery projects.
• 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.
• REACTIVE ONLY: Since the earthquake struck last Tuesday, the American Red Cross has raised nearly $112 million. (as of 5 p.m., Monday). Nearly two-thirds of the donations have been contributed through online channels, with more than $22 million pledged through mobile giving.
• CNN hosted a very successful telethon on Larry King Live. While totals are still coming in, the telethon is estimated to have raised more than $7 million for the American Red Cross and UNICEF. We are grateful to all the celebrities who donated their time and everyone who called in or texted to make a donation. Thank you!
• People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

Red Cross of Southwest Washington will be staffed and taking donations from 9am to 5pm at 1265 14th Ave, Longview until Friday, January 22, 2010

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