Devastation in Haiti

I am sure that all of you have seen the horrific images of the devastation created by last Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude earthquake centered in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This is one of the largest humanitarian disasters of our lifetime. Latest estimates from the UN have over 200,000 dead and up to 4 million injured, most of these requiring medical attention and not receiving it. The international forces that are presently mobilizing in this poverty-stricken country have major challenges in getting food, water, shelter, and medical care to literally millions of people.

How You Can Help:

Here is a brief list of reputable organizations that are actively involved in providing relief efforts to the earthquake victims:

• The American Red Cross: Perhaps the easiest way to donate is to text the word "Haiti" to 90999 and $10 will be charged to your cell phone bill. As of today, the Red Cross has received over $9 million in donations via this method.
• The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund: Formed by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, the fund is committed to providing the necessary resources that Haitians need. Donations may also be provided by texting the word "quake" to 20222 (also a $10 donation).
• Doctors Without Borders: is striving to provide as much surgery and general care of patients as possible.
• Save the Children: is on the scene providing life-saving assistance such as food, water, shelter, and child-friendly spaces for youth, particularly those who may be orphaned.
• United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund: The UN's humanitarian fund that responds to emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti.
• CARE: This international organization has 5,000 volunteers in the country, as they are focusing on the health of children, distributing water sanitation tablets, food, hygiene kits, and emergency health care.
• Catholic Relief Services: has made an immediate commitment of $5 million for emergency supplies. They are distributing food and relief supplies, and importing plastic sheeting, mosquito nets and water purification tablets from the Dominican Republic.

The MHS faculty donated a sum of $400 to Doctors Without Borders last Friday with money raised from a staff dress-down day. The Visual Arts Department will soon be organizing a fundraiser so students may get involved. More to follow...