Despite news of enormous logistical challenges and another, larger aftershock striking Port-au-Prince this morning, Red Cross aid is still making it onto the streets of Haiti. Red Cross responders from seven countries are treating injuries and performing surgery at hospitals and medical centers throughout the capital city. In addition to Port-au-Prince, Red Cross volunteers have even been able to reach survivors outside the capital city, providing first aid in camps and prioritizing the need for food, water and other basic supplies.

Yesterday, American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern visited relief operations in Haiti to help coordinate aid distribution. She witnessed the extensive damage and need as well as the growing presence of Red Cross services. In addition to providing pre-packaged meals, temporary shelter, first-aid, and translating services, the Red Cross teams are now focused on purifying the water supply available in the country. By doing so, volunteers expect to deliver clean drinking water to 200,000 to 400,000 people each day by truck.

Gail McGovern and Matt Marek check up on an injured Haitian who has come to a First Aid Post set up in front of the destroyed Haitian Red Cross Headquarters. Croix Desprez. Photo: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross

This is an enormous relief operation now, but we also know it will be a massive long-term recovery effort and the Red Cross will be there throughout. During her visit, Gail McGovern began planning for a multi-year recovery operation with other Red Cross leaders from around the world and heads of state from the region. This is already the largest single-country personnel deployment in global Red Cross history. The number of emergency response teams in or en route to Haiti equals those that responded to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami – an emergency that spanned 14 countries.

To contribute to the Haiti relief effort, donate online, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text “HAITI” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.  And if you’re wondering just how far $10 can really go, a simple texted donation can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, with a blanket appropriate to the climate, or with cooking supplies. No matter how much you give, your donations to the Red Cross – through first aid posts, hospitals, relief distribution sites, water trucking programs and family linking stations – are making a difference.

As always, for the latest photos and situational updates visit the National Disaster Online Newsroom at http://newsroom.redcross.org/.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned!

Michael