Haitian Red Cross volunteer Sheila Gabriel visits with Neley Forestal. The injured children suffer from emotional as well as physical trauma. Hospital General, Port-au-Prince. Photo by: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross.

Today we had the opportunity to sit in on a phone call with American Red Cross volunteer Winnie Romeril. Currently, Winnie is on the ground in Haiti working alongside a team of 430 International Red Cross volunteers to provide relief to Haitian earthquake survivors.

Between the phone cutting out, wind humming in the background, and noisy diesel trucks kicking up dirt and causing her to cough, Winnie was able to briefly update us on the situation in Haiti. The noisy scene was a strong reminder that the images I have seen on TV are still very much a reality for those involved. At the same time, it was also a very encouraging reminder that the donations and support of the American public is getting to the Haitian community, one meal, hygiene kit, and medical treatment at a time. Which definitely adds up; The American Red Cross and its partners are distributing relief items – such as hygiene kits, blankets and water containers – for up to 1,000 families (6,000 people) each day.

Relief supplies are arriving more frequently and in larger quantities, and, although some bottlenecks still remain, aid is reaching the survivors in the capital city and outlying areas. So far, more than 38 flights carrying Red Cross aid have arrived in Haiti with additional planes, ships and trucks expected every day.

Red Cross responders from eight countries are treating approximately 500 people each day at medical facilities throughout the capital city. An additional 100-bed Red Cross field hospital arrived this weekend and has been set up in the Carrefour soccer stadium.

Other Red Cross responders are still purifying the Haitian water supply and are delivering clean drinking water to 400,000 people each day. So far, more than 2 million liters of water has been distributed. This allows the local Haitian Red Cross volunteers to focus on providing first aid and emotional support for traumatized survivors. A special area has been established at each medical center where volunteers are comforting children, many of who are too young to even understand what happened.

We have accomplished a lot in the last few days, but we still have a long ways to go.

Before I go, I wanted to share with you a few stories of hope, survival, and resilience from Haiti. You can read the full stories here.  

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

Thank you and stay tuned,