The American Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million to support the relief operation. Hospitals and the local Red Cross office have sustained major damage. The American Red Cross has a 15-person office in Haiti focused year-round on HIV/AIDS education and disaster preparedness.  There is limited contact with Red Cross staff in Haiti, but we do know that they are safe and responding to the survivors’ needs.

The American Red Cross is releasing supplies from its warehouse in Panama that will be able to meet the immediate needs of 5,000 families. Included are tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets. In Haiti, the local Red Cross worked throughout the night to rescue people from their trapped homes and provide first aid.  Priority needs now are food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.

The American Red Cross already has seen an outpouring of support and concern from the public. People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Red Cross is the beneficiary of a third party mobile fundraising effort launched on January 12 following the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti. The program is powered by Mobile Accord and the mGive Foundation in coordination with the U.S. State Department as part of its ongoing support of this disaster response. Mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross.  100% of the donations will support relief efforts in Haiti.

At this time, we are only deploying Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting your community’s local needs by volunteering with your local Red Cross.