GlobalGiving.org: Provide medical care to Haiti

2 Years Later: Challenges, Progress, & Inspiration

Callie Spaide — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:01:08 GMT

At 5pm local time on January 12, 2010, the world turned upside down for the people of Haiti. The massive 7.0 earthquake that struck two years ago caused unimaginable destruction to Port-au-Prince and the surrounding towns, devastated Haiti’s already fragile infrastructure, and claimed over 230,000 lives.

Today, the earthquake’s impact is clear -- more than 500,000 men, women, and children still live in temporary camps, with limited access to clean water. And the deadly cholera outbreak that began in October 2010, continues to threaten the most vulnerable: young children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

International Medical Corps’ emergency response teams arrived in Haiti less than 24 hours after the earthquake hit – and we’re still there today, providing training, and helping these vulnerable communities rebuild and become self-reliant. We’re operating an innovative emergency medical care training program for doctors and nurses in Haiti, as well as helping communities prepare for the next time a disaster strikes.

We’d like to share with you our Haiti 2 Year Report that details our work on-the-ground. Please take a few moments to learn what your support has helped make possible in Haiti. You can also read testimonials from doctors, nurses and the men, women and children you have helped us reach with lifesaving care.

While Haiti’s recovery will be long, we’re confident that we – and the people of Haiti -- can meet future challenges with your support.

Thank you.

Links:

Happy New Year!

Callie Spaide — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:15:14 GMT

2012 is almost here and we would like to take a moment to thank you for supporting our emergency response and long-term capacity building in Haiti.

This year with the help of our amazing supporters, we were able to continue our relief efforts in Haiti and around the world, as well as respond to crises in Libya, East Africa, and Japan. You can see for yourself --click on the video below and hear firsthand from our staff on the frontlines, working in some of the most unstable and dangerous regions of the world.

And as we look to the future, we hope we can count on your support again.

Your generosity was crucial during our initial emergency response and it’s just as important now, as we work to help these devastated communities rebuild and recover. Please considering making a donation or using your new GlobalGiving gift card to help our rebuilding efforts.

Your donation will help us start 2012 strong!

On behalf of all of at International Medical Corps, thank you for your support.

Links:

24 Hours to Have Your Gift Matched!

Callie Spaide — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:29:42 GMT

GlobalGiving has announced an amazing opportunity and we need your help to make it happen!

Starting at October 19, 12:01 am EDT, GlobalGiving will match 30% of all online donations up to $1,000 per donor until the end of the day or when funds run out. In addition, GlobalGiving is offering a $1,000 bonus to the project that raises the most that day and a $1,000 bonus to the project that receives donations from the most individual donors.

Think about it: your gift of $40 becomes $52… $100 becomes $130…. $400 becomes $520…

But funds will run out quickly and we need you to act fast on October 19 to take advantage of this match before it’s too late.

With your support for Provide Medical Care to Haiti, International Medical Corps has:

Quickly mobilized to treat patients through 24-hour cholera treatment centers.
Improved emergency response through training nurses, doctors, and community members on cholera prevention, emergency action, and psychological support.

In the past, your support has meant so much to countless men, women, and children in need. Now, you can give knowing that your donation will go 30% further and that 92 cents of every dollar you give goes to program-related activities.

Please – act soon and your donation could save lives.

Thank you. We know we can count on your support.

Links:

Preparing for Surge in Cholera Cases Following Tropical Storm Emily

Callie Spaide — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:48:00 GMT

Dear friend,

Last week, as Tropical Storm Emily threatened to cause widespread flooding and landslides in the Caribbean, our team in Haiti sprung into action to prepare our cholera treatment centers for an increase in cases.

Haiti’s topography is prone to both flooding and landslides – perfect conditions for the spread of water-borne diseases like cholera. Flash floods are possible in low-lying areas, such as Gonaives and Carrefour, while strong winds can destroy tents and unstable structures, such as those found in the camps where people are still living.

As the storm approached, Sean Casey, our Haiti Country Director explained: “We are very concerned that heavy flooding will occur as a result of Emily, which will likely lead to a dramatic increase in the spread of cholera. We are preparing all of our cholera treatment facilities and pre-positioning medicines and supplies so that we can continue to treat our most severe patients and to prepare for a likely increase in cases after the storm.”

In Les Cayes, International Medical Corps relocated 27 severe cholera patients out of our tented cholera treatment center into a safe, permanent structure, where they could continue to receive 24-hour care and be protected from the storm. Our team also pre-positioned an emergency room physician at Port-au-Prince’s University Hospital to prepare for the possibility of an increased patient load. They reinforced tents and other temporary structures, stocked our facilities with medicines and supplies, and ensured that vehicles and generators were fueled and ready.

Thankfully, Emily did not directly impact Haiti; there were strong winds and rains to the south but no damage to our program sites. However, heavy rains will likely drive an increase in cholera cases, and with your support, International Medical Corps is ready to respond and meet an increased caseload. Our staff remains on the ground in Haiti more than 18 months after the earthquake, helping to support and rebuild the country’s fragile healthcare infrastructure and provide ongoing treatment. Thank you.

Links:

Learn more about our lifesaving work in Haiti!

Improving Emergency Response in Haiti

Callie Spaide — Fri, 20 May 2011 20:24:34 GMT

International Medical Corps' Staff, Haiti 2011

Dear supporter,

As you know, while it’s impossible to prevent natural disasters, careful planning and preparation can greatly reduce their impact. It’s the same reason that we practice fire drills in school: when there is an emergency, we know we’re ready.

With hurricane season approaching, we’ve been partnering with the government, local doctors and nurses, and communities to ensure that they too will be ready.

Here are just a few ways in which we’re improving emergency response:

At the University Hospital in Port-au-Prince, we’re training 100 nurses and 50 doctors on Emergency Medicine. The month-long course will prepare them to work in a hospital emergency department.
Additionally, International Medical Corps has held disaster drills at the three district hospitals of Jacmel, Mirogoane, and Petit Goave.
Using a “train-the-trainer” curriculum, we’ve taught hundreds of first-responders on disaster response. These individuals have provided this training to others, helping to educate schools, churches, and communities on emergency response.
Cholera prevention is a crucial aspect of disaster preparedness in Haiti. Our 7 cholera treatment centers have treated thousands of patients since the initial outbreak in 2010. In addition, our trained community health volunteers are promoting key health education messages, including cholera prevention, within their own communities.
In addition, we’ve carried out an Essential Trauma Care course in Jacmel to provide training for physicians and nurses.

Our commitment to Haiti is long-term; we plan to help build a sustainable health system that can withstand myriad emergencies. Your generosity has made our work possible – thank you.

All the best,

International Medical Corps

GlobalGiving visits IMC's clinic in Haiti

Britt Lake — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:42:24 GMT

IMC staff see patients in Petionville Camp

We bumped along the road up the hill to Petionville to visit International Medical Corps’ clinic in the J/P tent camp, where about 50,000 Haitians now live since the earthquake destroyed their homes. Their clinic is in one of the largest of such camps in Haiti, and specializes in primary care so they see a lot of cases of skin rashes, coughs, and stomach problems. Another specialized hospital is also in the camp, where they refer more serious medical cases, like cholera.

The temporary shelter that IMC built is divided into a few smaller rooms. On our left, over a dozen patients sat waiting for their check-up. Children smiled and ran up and down the room while their parents waited to be seen by one of the two Haitian doctors working in the clinic. Other medical staff took down the details of the patients waiting to be seen.

We sat down and spoke to Manuchecka Dajeantal, a pregnant woman who was in the IMC clinic for the first time. She came with her husband, who was there to see a doctor about a rash on his neck. She lives near the clinic, and the free care it provides means she can see a doctor about the unusual swelling she’s experiencing in her legs. She says that if the clinic was not there she wouldn’t see a doctor at all.

The doctors at the IMC clinic also keep an eye out for psychological problems that their patients may be facing. Because of the stigma associated with mental health issues, many people don’t seek care for problems like depression or PTSD, which many earthquake survivors are facing. This is one of the few clinics specially equipped to deal with these issues, and mental health care is integrated into the primary care that the doctors are already providing.

After speaking with the doctors, we walked through the tent camp behind the IMC clinic where we met Leonie Joseph, a woman living in the camp with her husband and two children. During the earthquake her house collapsed with everything in it. Luckily her family, which included a three-year-old and a newborn baby, survived. She is now looking for work and hoping to find a way out of the camp and into a home again. She says shelter is her number one need.

Soon it started to rain, and everyone ran back under their tents. We ran to our car and got in as the raindrops got larger. Our car slipped and slid into the mud as we attempted to leave, eventually getting stuck in several inches of mud. Over the next hour and a half the community came together to help us move the car and get to where we needed to go.

Thank you for supporting International Medical Corps’ efforts in Haiti!

Manuchecka Dajeantal, 19, a patient at the clinic

Leonie Joseph lives in the camp with her family

With Your Support in 2010

Callie Spaide — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:21:35 GMT

Thank you for your support!

1 year ago, a 7.0 earthquake struck Port-au-Prince. An estimated 230,000 people lost their lives, thousands more were gravely injured, and a million others were displaced. Even before the earthquake, Haiti suffered from crushing poverty and a weak infrastructure. The country had now become a massive humanitarian crisis. For many Haitians, the past year has been a daily struggle to rebuild their lives.

The pain of the Haitian people should not be diminished but looking back, we believe we have been able to ease some of their suffering. With the help of our amazing supporters, over the last 12 months we have:

•    Conducted more than 156,600 patient consultations.
•    Established 13 clinics and 7 cholera treatment centers.
•    Distributed $16.2M in medicines, supplies, services and equipment donated by our in-kind partners.
•    Screened more than 20,000 children for malnutrition.
•    Trained and employed 1,300 Haitian health care workers and community mobilizers.
•    Treated more than 7,500 patients in our cholera treatment centers.

To read our 1-year accountability report, please click here.

Right now, we are looking toward the future in Haiti. Working hand in hand with the people of Haiti, we’ve expanded our health care services to reach those in need, while implementing critical medical training and education programs. These programs will help Haiti meet its own health care needs in the future, as well as help the Haitian people prepare for future disasters.

Please take a moment to watch all we've accomplished together in 2010.

The 2010 earthquake was an unprecedented disaster that will undoubtedly affect Haiti for years to come. Although the recovery process will be long, we are committed to improving quality of life, fostering self-reliance, and bringing hope to the Haitian people.

Links:

Emergency: Alarming Cholera Outbreak in Haiti

Callie Spaide — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:32:33 GMT

A cholera outbreak has struck Central Haiti, causing more than 130 deaths and sickening at least 1,500 others. International Medical Corps teams here in Haiti have already responded with medical supplies to the cholera-affected areas, and are pre-positioning supplies in other areas in the event the outbreak spreads. As the only member of the UN emergency response team, International Medical Corps is ready to deploy a full Emergency Response team with doctors and nurses to the area within 24 hours, if needed.

“International Medical Corps is extremely concerned at the speed in which this outbreak spread,” says Dr. Jojo Cangao, International Medical Corps' medical director in Haiti. “We have already begun community outreach and prepositioning of supplies in the camps in which we work in Port-au-Prince in case the outbreak moves south.” More than one million people have been living in displacement camps since the January 12 earthquake, which killed more than 300,000.

There are already reports of the outbreak moving south, closer to Port-au-Prince, and International Medical Corps is pre-positioning supplies for orphanages in this area. Supplies, such as IV saline solution, water purification tablets, and oral rehydration salts, are being collected to dispatch to Artibonite if needed and to preposition in camps where International Medical Corps runs clinics. International Medical Corps is also coordinating with partners in camps where it has clinics to begin community education campaigns on cholera prevention, identification, and treatment - and clinic staff are being trained in cholera treatment and management.

“We are prepared to support the emergency response to the cholera outbreak however is most needed, whether through medical personnel, supplies, or both,” says Dr. Cangao.

International Medical Corps has extensive experience in cholera outbreak response, management, and prevention, with its most recent responses in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Iraq. Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene are also one of its top organizational priorities, with such programs in countries including Haiti, Somalia, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Thank you so much for your continuing support -- we are able to respond to emergencies like this because of your wonderful generosity.

Links:

Learn more about our cholera response in Haiti

Letter from Dr. Jojo Cangao, Medical Director in Haiti

Dr. Jojo Cangao — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:14:38 GMT

It’s hard to believe that it’s only been five months since I became International Medical Corps’ Medical Director in Haiti. Looking back, I am really proud of the number of people we reached and the level of medical care we provided - especially when so many were at their most vulnerable to diseases like malaria, dengue and typhoid fever. To date, there has been no outbreak of disease in Haiti following the earthquake, even with 1.5 million people displaced. Through our 13 mobile clinics throughout the quake-affected regions, International Medical Corps was able to quickly deliver health care services, critical medicines and protect those who lost everything.

We not only successfully cared for people’s physical wounds, but their emotional wounds as well by making mental health care services available to quake-affected Haitians. Mental health care scarcely existed in Haiti before the earthquake and now, because of the training we have provided, our doctors and nurses are able to identify, handle, and if necessary, refer mental health cases for advanced care. In fact, some of our doctors are now going to be certified by the Ministry of Health as providers of mental health care!

Although we’ve made a lot of progress in Haiti, we definitely have some challenges coming our way, namely with the current hurricane season, which could cause larger displacement and even more health problems for an already vulnerable population. Flooding always poses a threat to health, as waterborne diseases become more prominent. With this risk, we have been prioritizing disease surveillance in the areas where we work and contributing to a national system so that outbreaks are tracked and responded to effectively. As our primary health clinics are a vital prevention mechanism, as well as a platform to track outbreaks of diseases, we’ve been working with the government, other international NGOs, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on a disease surveillance system through our primary health clinics.

In addition, we are also rolling out our disaster response and preparedness program in Petit Goave and Jacmel, two disaster-prone areas in southern Haiti. Through this program we will train Ministry of Health staff and local communities in emergency preparedness and response, including first-responder training for health professionals. Our biggest challenge will be making sure that we are building an effective health care system that improves upon what t existed previously in Haiti. Even before the earthquake, only 47% of Haitians had access to health care. Seeing the progress made so far though, I believe we can create a health care system that serves all Haitians and I’m excited to be part of the rebuilding process.

Double Your Impact

Callie Spaide — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:32:47 GMT

Because of your generosity after the earthquake in Haiti, we were able to rapidly mobilize and provide life-saving care to tens of thousands, and we thank you for your support. But the people of Haiti still need our help. On June 16th, Global Giving has pledged to match all contributions up to $1,000 per donor per project between 12:00am and 11:59pm. Only online donations made via credit card or PayPal are eligible and donations made on www.globalgiving.co.uk will not be considered eligible.

This is a wonderful opportunity to double the impact of your support for Haiti’s recovery.

Below are just a few examples of the work we are doing in Haiti right now:

• Since arriving 22 hours after the earthquake, we have provided medical care to more than 79,000 Haitians.

• We are operating 15 mobile clinics in the most underserved regions along the coast, treating approximately 1,500 patients daily.

• We’ve created the first Emergency Department at a public hospital in Haiti.

• Our childhood nutrition program provides supplementary nutrition and care for malnourished children.

• We’ve implemented an early childhood development program in our mobile clinics to mentor new mothers affected by the earthquake about infant stimulation and proper nutrition.

With the help of our supporters, we’ve made impressive strides over the past few months – but there is still so much to be done. As we work to rebuild Haiti and restore hope to those devastated by this disaster, we look forward to your continued commitment.

Links:

Learn More About Our Work In Haiti

Update from Haiti

Deborah Kull — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:20:10 GMT

Our team is currently providing medical care via mobile clinics in nine geographic regions, including Petit-Goâve, Grande Goave, Petionville, Boloise, Carrefour, Jacmal, and Gressier, Leogane, and Miragoane. We are also working in one hospital and two static clinics.

Hôpital de l'Université d'État d'Haiti

The team is providing medical care at the 700-bed general hospital near the Presidential Palace, the Hôpital de l'Université d'État d'Haiti. Our physicians and nurses are working together with other nongovernmental organizations that have joined us in the hospital. We have established eight basic emergency operating rooms, and are currently providing medical supplies for the hospital.

Doctors and nurses are currently performing 30-50 surgeries and treating approximately 250 patients at the hospital daily. By request of the hospital administration, International Medical Corps is organizing triage and acute treatment of new patients. The acute triage center has seen over 240 new patients in last three days, and is receiving patients from outside clinics via a newly-established ambulance service. The hospital is partially intact structurally and about half of the buildings are currently in use.

International Medical Corps physicians assisted in significant reorganization of the hospital including establishing the first inpatient/post-operative unit in Port-au-Prince post-earthquake. Under International Medical Corps’ guidance, patient management and flow has recently improved and the hospital is now able to accept referrals (and is perhaps the only hospital accepting referrals right now which can provide overnight care).

Other hospital wards opened including medical/surgical and post-operative, and the hospital now provides for 24-hour care with 45 patients in the in-patient ward and another in-patient ward opening shortly. Electricity and water are available in some areas of the hospital. However, there are no laboratory or x-ray services, and the hospital is in the process of establishing a cold chain. Ultimately, the hospital will need reconstruction and refurbishment.

International Medical Corps is prioritizing the return of national staff, as very few have returned. We have also led a tetanus immunization program on the hospital campus and vaccinated over 300 people.

At the Marcel Cline Psychiatric hospital attached to Hôpital de l'Université d'État d'Haiti, there are now 7 male and 3 female in-patients. Pre-earthquake, the hospital had 50 male and 30 female patients residing there. There is currently no food supply. Approximately 250 people are camping on the grounds, of which 30 are psychiatric patients. International Medical Corps delivered psychiatric drugs and distributed guidelines to the hospital and the Ministry of Public Health. We have deployed two psychiatrists, including our Senior Mental Health Advisor. International Medical Corps places a special emphasis on mental health during emergencies.

Mobile Clinics and Field Sites: Reaching the Underserved

• Petit-Goâve: International Medical Corps is serving a population of 2,500 people in this area, where 100% of homes have been destroyed. Until now, no assistance has been delivered. People lack latrines and a safe water source. We are delivering basic health units to two clinics and a hospital. We are providing medical services at another hospital. Many people have fled the destroyed areas to settle with family in the mountains, placing additional strain on infrastructure and services. • Boloise: International Medical Corps has treated 100 patients for trauma, malaria and communicable diseases. Four camps of displaced people numbering approximately 20,000 lack any medical care and have limited access to latrines and sanitation. • Jacmel: We are supporting and treating patients at a local hospital. Despite access to emergency medical care, the area lacks general public health care. • Gressier: Operating out of a previously abandoned health clinic, the team has treated 80 people for trauma, malaria, and fractures, and immunized 100 people against tetanus. We see approximately 53 people per day. International Medical Corps is also identifying local health care workers. • Carrefour: International Medical Corps saw 70 patients and gave 150 tetanus vaccinations through the clinic. Approximately three-quarters of the community are homeless. We are working with a number of organizational partners to provide care and address the need for latrines. In addition, International Medical Corps liaising with local Haitian doctors and providing follow-up care for patients. The communities in camps have mobilized to support our team for logistics and security issues. • Country Club, Petionville: International Medical Corps is establishing a clinic for a spontaneous settlement of 20,000 people. We have also identified another four small clinics run by the local community where we will provide supplies and medical staff.

Building Capacity in the Midst of Emergencies

Going forward, International Medical Corps will build capacity in Haiti’s health care system through delivering medical services, training local health workers, providing administrative support to the health care system, and rehabilitating health facilities. Already the team has improved the management and administration of the Hopital De l’ Universite d'Etat d'Haiti, and local Haitian medical students were trained by our team to help triage incoming patients. International Medical Corps will continue to support health posts and clinics in underserved areas through rehabilitating,

Emergency Response Update

Deborah Kull — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:29:26 GMT

Within 23 hours of the earthquake, International Medical Corps’ Emergency Response Team arrived in Port-au-Prince. Our current team of 40 on the ground includes 27 medical personnel, a mental health specialist, and logistics, financial, communications, security, and coordination officers.

The team is providing medical care outside the general hospital near the Presidential Palace, the Hopital De l’ Universite d'Etat d'Haiti. Our physicians and nurses are working together with other nongovernmental organizations that have joined us in the hospital. We have established eight basic emergency operating rooms, and are currently providing medical supplies for the hospital.

President Clinton met with International Medical Corps’ Emergency Response Team on January 18th. He spoke with our doctors, and noted our urgent needs: • Our field hospital had 1,500 patients seeking treatment -- 70% to 80% need surgery. • About 75 amputations were performed on January 17th alone; another 150+ were needed. • Through a partnership dating back to Hurricane Katrina, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the largest public service employee union, has offered International Medical Corps 400 volunteer nurses, many Creole speaking. • We delivered desperately needed medical supplies to the field hospital, and more supplies—including emergency medical kits and food—are arriving via caravan from across the border in the Dominican Republic. • Our team is treating crush injuries, basic wounds, trauma, shock and other critical cases – with the few available supplies.

Reaching the Underserved

The team is also supporting small medical posts near the Villa Creole Hotel in Port-au-Prince. We have also begun operating mobile units in Leogane (the epicenter) to reach those who are underserved. Leogane (population 134,000) is severely affected with 80-90% of the buildings damaged.

The team has conducted assessments in Carefour, Grassier, Leogane, and Jimani. In Grassier, we have established primary health care support for a community clinic that had previously been abandoned. International Medical Corps will continue to assist in coordination of public health assessments with the World Health Organization and other nongovernmental organizations in the affected areas.

International Medical Corps will expand emergency medical care to underserved populations through both static and mobile clinics, and will provide primary health care as needs dictate, including immunization and disease prevention. Furthermore, International Medical Corps will continue to support devastated public health facilities by providing supplies, medicine, and personnel to manage the increased caseload of patients due to the emergency.

Building Capacity in the Midst of Emergencies

International Medical Corps will build capacity in Haiti’s health care system and infrastructure through training, administrative support, and rehabilitation of health facilities. Already the team has improved the management and administration of the Hopital De l’ Universite d'Etat d'Haiti, and local Haitian students were trained by our team to help triage incoming patients.

Going forward, International Medical Corps will support health posts and clinics in underserved areas through rehabilitating, restocking, staffing, and training. We will continue to work with the Ministry of Health, the government of Haiti, and local communities to conduct needs assessments and establish leadership committees representative of all stakeholders, including women. In particular, International Medical Corps efforts will include water and sanitation efforts to drastically improve living conditions and general health, and prevent disease from spreading. A hallmark of International Medical Corps’ work is training local doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers to care for their own communities.

In addition, International Medical Corps is known for its technical expertise in both medical and health care administration in humanitarian emergencies. We will support the Ministry of Health and health facilities throughout Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area in hospital and clinic operation; administration, disease-monitoring, and record-keeping; personnel management, recruitment, training, and retention; and logistics of stocking medical equipment and supplies.

International Medical Corps firmly believes that the best way to create lasting change is to invest in long-term recovery at the outset – it begins in the midst of emergencies. This year International Medical Corps marks its 25th anniversary of providing critical, lifesaving care to millions, while bridging the divide between relief and recovery. International Medical Corps’ mission—to restore devastated medical systems by arriving quickly in crisis, then training local practitioners to care for their own communities, restore well-being and build self-reliance—has been and continues to be crucial. International Medical Corps has worked side-by side with local doctors, nurses, and health workers; it has delivered the highest standard of medical care and training; it has elevated the level of primary health care in developing countries to a level second to none. The knowledge and skills that International Medical Corps leaves behind remain the great measure of its strength and impact.

Press Release - PSA

Crystal Wells — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:41:43 GMT

January 21, 2010, Los Angeles, Calif. – Sienna Miller, Global Ambassador for International Medical Corps, makes a passionate call to action in a public service announcement (PSA) to assist survivors of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti last Tuesday.

“The need left by this earthquake is enormous,” says Sienna Miller. “Thousands need medical services and time is of the essence. If the injured do not receive medical care quickly, treatable ailments like fractures and open wounds can become life-threatening. The more people who come together and offer their support, the more lives we will be able to save.”

Funds raised through the PSA (http://www.imcworldwide.org/SiennaPSA) will directly support International Medical Corps’ emergency response in Haiti and save lives by helping acquire what is desperately needed on the ground, including medicines, medical equipment, food, clean water, and other emergency relief items.

International Medical Corps was on the ground in Haiti providing emergency medical care just 23 hours after the earthquake struck. “They are working around the clock to save as many lives as possible,” says Miller. “I hope this PSA will shed light on the incredible work they are doing in Haiti and encourage others to support it.”

In Port-au-Prince, International Medical Corps is working at the Hopital de l’Universite d’Etat d’Haiti, a 700-bed hospital, as well as supporting small health clinics throughout the city. An International Medical Corps mobile medical unit is also in Leogane, the epicenter of Tuesday’s earthquake, providing emergency medical care.

“We are so thankful to Sienna for speaking out for the people of Haiti,” says Rebecca Milner, VP of Institutional Advancement for International Medical Corps. “Every donation made as a result of this PSA will save lives on the ground in Haiti.”

Update from Haiti

Stephen Tomlin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:56:19 GMT

Thank you so very much for your generous support of our efforts in Haiti!

As of January 15th 2010: The Haitian Red Cross says it believes 45,000 to 50,000 people died and 3 million more hurt or left homeless. Today, many people are still trapped alive in the rubble and Haitians are wandering the streets of Port-au-Prince searching for water, food and medical help, with thousands of bodies lying on the roadsides. The International Medical Corps Emergency Response Team (ERT) which arrived in Port-au-Prince via Santa Domingo on Wednesday afternoon less than 24 hours after the earthquake described their late afternoon drive from the airport as surreal. Most of the town does not have electricity, yet random traffic lights were operational. The streets they drive down were strewn with rubble and fallen cables and littered with vehicles and buses that had crashed as the quake struck. People lined the streets - standing away from buildings and quietly sitting in a daze, exhausted and scared of the next aftershock. Many injured people were helpless in the crowds and many dead bodies were stacked up along the side of the road. The seaport is damaged (cranes collapsed). The Port-au-Prince airport is damaged and planes full of supplies arrived yesterday more quickly than ground crews could unload them. This led to such congestion that the airport is now closed to commercial air traffic, probably until tomorrow. We do not still have any idea of who survived. Local doctors and nurses are missing; many believed dead. One International Medical Corps ERT member told a CNN interviewer: "The problem is that unlike traditional disaster situations we have few local partners to work with, because most of them have had their buildings destroyed and are looking for their own dead and missing." We have all seen the dreadful images that are coming to us from Haiti. We all now understand that Haitians are now entirely dependent on what the outside world can do. At International Medical Corps, we immediately responded to this huge shock by deploying an Emergency Response Team within hours. It comprised an Emergency Coordinator, 2 Emergency Physicians with backgrounds in disaster medicine, a former WHO-Medical Officer experienced in public health in emergencies, a Security Officer and a Finance Officer. They are all relief experts and have substantial experience of natural disasters as well as of working in recovery programs in fragile or low income countries. The International Medical Corps team is staying outside of the Villa Creole Hotel and sleeping in tents. The hotel is also being used as a makeshift hospital and our physicians delivered services there Wednesday evening and last night. By day – yesterday and today – the ERT is operating in the downtown General Hospital across from the palace – the Hospitelier de'l Universite d'etat d'Haiti. Three more emergency physicians will arrive with supplies and equipment today on a charter flight from Santo Domingo. Three additional emergency medical teams composed of 16 nurses/doctors are also being deployed today from the U.S. The ERT is treating crush victims, trauma, basic wound care, shock and other critical cases with the few available supplies. A lot of patients with broken bones, fractures and ruptures. International Medical Corps has also reached out to partners and donors to procure materials and supplies for its relief efforts. It is has finalized shipments of donated medicines and medical supplies from Heart to Heart, the Bridge Foundation, Project Hope and the UK’s International Health Partners. We have always worked closely with Operation USA and enjoyed the benefit of its relief flights into natural disasters in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan to name but just a few countries. Cash donations – the lifeblood of rapid response to sudden onset disasters – have enabled International Medical Corps to also procure urgent supplies in the Dominican Republic. We have Emergency Medical Kits arriving today from the Dominican Republic – each kit is designed to treat 30,000 people/month and the contents have been designed by WHO and international working groups, based on emergencies. International Medical Corps also has shipments that were scheduled to arrive directly in Port-au-Prince from Miami today, but with the airport’s closure to commercial traffic it doesn’t look as if they will arrive tomorrow. International Medical Corps is currently finalizing a partnership with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) for the between 90-120 of its Creole-speaking nurse members to join in International Medical Corps’ response as surge capacity – this will have a significant multiplier effect on both current activities and the foundations we lay for health system recovery and development. We will work with communities to identify and prioritize their needs and their most vulnerable members through the networks of Haitian community organizations and activists on the ground. All activities will support national capacity in responding to emergency medical cases and mass casualties.

Press Release 1/14/10

Crystal Wells — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:56:24 GMT

January 14, 2010, Los Angeles, Calif. – International Medical Corps’ Emergency Response Team is in Port-au-Prince assisting survivors of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti Tuesday. The team is providing medical care outside the general hospital near the Presidential Palace where hundreds of people have congregated for help.

“People are afraid to go indoors because of aftershocks, so most of the care is being provided outside,” says Margaret Aguirre, Director of Global Communications for International Medical Corps. “We are working with the few Haitian health workers that are here. The goal is to provide triage and basic treatment with the limited staffing and supplies that we have.”

“Most patients that we have seen are suffering from broken bones, but some are in more serious condition and there is no hospital to refer them to. Medical supplies, such as IVs, pain medicines, and bandages, are extremely limited,” continued Aguirre.

Other members of the Emergency Response Team are conducting a rapid needs assessment and visiting hospitals around the city to explore their condition. In addition to emergency medical care, survivors of the earthquake are likely to be in immediate need of food and water, as well as non-food items like blankets, tents, stoves, and water purification equipment. Public health is a major concern as well. International Medical Corps will also focus on providing emergency shelter and other essential items in its relief effort.

“International Medical Corps is prepared to respond to all levels of medical assistance depending on what the most pressing needs are,” says Dina Prior, the Team Leader for the response. “Emergency health care will be our primary focus, both in the form of hands-on care and medical supplies and drugs.”

Update on response efforts in Haiti

Heidi Saravia — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:06:57 GMT

First of all thank you so much to everyone who has supported International Medical Corps and our efforts in Haiti. For current information you can visit our site at: http://www.imcworldwide.org/Page.aspx?pid=801

Here is an update from our Emergency Team Leader. International Medical Corps Deploys Emergency Response Team to Haiti

January 13, 2010, Los Angeles, Calif. – International Medical Corps’ Emergency Response Team is now travelling to Haiti to assist survivors of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck just 10 miles off the coast of the capital, Port-au-Prince, yesterday. The International Medical Corps team is made up of many relief experts, including an emergency response team leader, medical officer, logistics officer, and emergency physicians.

In addition to emergency medical care, survivors of the earthquake are likely to be in immediate need of non-food items like blankets, tents, stoves, and water purification equipment. Public health is a major concern as well. The International Medical Corps Emergency Response Team also plans to focus on providing emergency shelter and other essential items in its relief effort.

“We have a larger Emergency Response Team on standby ready to be deployed depending on the level of need,” says Prior. “When we arrive in Haiti, we will conduct a rapid needs assessment to determine what the greatest needs are and if we need additional assistance and expertise on the ground.”

An estimated 2.5 to 3 million people are expected to be affected by the earthquake. Blocked roads and power outages in the greater Port-au-Prince area have hindered needs assessments, but injuries and loss of life are expected to be substantial given the area’s high population density. People are reportedly trapped under the rubble and Port-au-Prince is largely destroyed. Aftershocks reached as high as 5.9, triggering additional destruction and mudslides.

Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been hit by a series of disasters recently and was battered by hurricanes in 2008. An estimated 70 percent of its population lives on less than two dollars a day. International Medical Corps’ Emergency Response draws on 25 years of experience in emergency settings, including last September’s earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia, and the massive 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.

Since its inception nearly 25 years ago, International Medical Corps’ mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit our website at www.imcworldwide.org.

Thank you!