Today marks one week since a series of earthquakes shook Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Since then the American Red Cross has been working diligently to put aid in the hands of earthquake survivors.

Today, 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. Gail joins a team of more than 400 Red Cross workers from around the world in Haiti as well as thousands of local volunteers. While in Haiti, Gail is meeting with the Haitian Red Cross, local government, and USAID in addition to Red Cross leaders from around the world. (And speaking of leaders from around the world, check out this video to see President Obama’s visit to our American Red Cross Disaster Operation Center in DC yesterday).
 
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. 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. In addition to providing clean drinking water and first aid, the Red Cross has supplied temporary shelter kits for an initial 20,000 families. 3 Million pre-packaged meals have been provided in partnership with the World Food Program in Haiti, and approximately 100 American Red Cross Creole-speaking volunteers will be aboard the USNS Comfort to translate for patients.

Matt Marek, American Red Cross International Disaster Response worker, with Jonathan Romelus at a First Aid Post in Croix Desprez. Jonathan lost his twin brother in the quake. Photo by Talia Frenkel, American Red Cross.

While Haitians are receiving relief, it’s important to acknowledge that 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.

To donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti, donate online at redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

As always, stay posted by visiting the Disaster Online Newsroom and by viewing our most recent photos.

Stay tuned,
Michael

Michael Braeuninger is the International Services Supervisor for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.