Ten days after the Haiti earthquake, logistical bottlenecks remain, but American Red Cross volunteers on the ground say that “Haiti is coming back to life.”The pipeline to get resources into Haiti was a straw following the earthquake; it’s now a garden hose, but we are still waiting for it to become a fire hose. But even despite all of the logjams, supplies are slowly getting through.

In just the first week of the Haiti response effort, the American Red Cross has already spent or committed $34 million; 50% of which is being used on food and water, 30% on purchasing and distributing relief supplies (like blankets, soap, first aid supplies, etc), and 20% on logistics and items needed to keep the relief operation moving.

So far, more than 32 flights carrying Red Cross aid have arrived in Haiti. Additional planes and trucks are expected every day. Today, nearly 70 American Red Cross Creole-speaking volunteers joined the USNS Comfort offshore in Haiti. While aboard, they will serve as interpreters for patients receiving medical care from the U.S. military.

The family links website (www.icrc.org/familylinks), designed to help reconnect separated families, has received more than 24,000 registrations since the earthquake. Approximately 500 names have been removed from the site after families were successfully reconnected. The Red Cross has set up posts, helping 900 people make international phone calls to their families to say they are safe. 

Red Cross workers help Camzuehgean Peter with blankets, tarps, kitchen kits and hygiene kits distributed by the American Red Cross at Camp Simon, Le Betemont. 1/21/10 Photo: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross

On Wednesday and Thursday alone, the American Red Cross and our partners on the ground were able to provide 1,900 families (9,500 people) with basic supplies like tarps, hygiene kits, water purification tablets and blankets. But we still have a lot more people to reach, with shelter remaining one of the most urgent needs on the ground.

More than 400 Red Cross and Red Crescent workers from at least 30 countries are in Haiti supporting thousands of local volunteers. Of that, more than 100 are representing the American Red Cross. Each Red Cross team has its own role and expertise. Whether it is treating injuries and performing surgery at hospitals, performing urban search and rescue, purifying the water supply (so far, more than 1 million liters of water has been distributed), or providing emotional support, the Red Cross teams are working together as a very powerful engine for relief.

So many people in Haiti need help and hope, and we encourage the American public to continue to support both the short and long-term relief efforts. Throughout the weekend the American public will have many opportunities to support the relief efforts. More than 35 television networks and dozens more Web sites will air the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon. Alongside journalists and relief workers reporting from Haiti, an impressive list of celebrities is scheduled to appear on the program, including many of those who serve on the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet.

To contribute to the Haiti relief effort, donate online, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text “HAITI” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. And as always, for the latest photos and situational updates visit the National Disaster Online Newsroom at http://newsroom.redcross.org/.

Thank you and stay tuned,
Michael

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