Help Haiti - You can make a differnce

February 28th, 2010

Tens of thousands of children, women, and men affected by the earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010 are now living on the streets and in makeshift camps. Many of them are in mourning for families who have died in the catastrophe; others are still hoping to find family members and friends.

     "The people need everything," says John Torres, Sr. Media Specialist for  ADRA International  currently on the ground in Haiti. "Most of them have the clothing on their back and that is it. Words cannot begin to describe the devastation, the extreme loss of lives and goods, and the long-term help that is needed here."

     ADRA, in partnership with Global Medic, is already providing clean water for 30,000 individuals each day currently living on the grounds of the Adventist University and ADRA compound. In addition we are distributing thousands of water purification tablets and clean water to individuals far from the clean water facility. We’ve brought four mobile medical units, medical teams, 13 boxes of medical supplies and medicines, and oral rehydration salts into the country. Our search and rescue team are working long days desperately trying to save people still trapped in the rubble.

     Nearly 20,000 displaced people are living on the grounds of the ADRA compound. 

     Sanitation facilities are non-existent. We have begun the necessary task of building 60 latrines. Without proper sanitation these displaced children, women, and men run the risk of contracting rampant diarrhea, and even cholera and typhus.

     ADRA medical teams are working around the clock saving lives. However they are running out of supplies and medicines. Without general antibiotics those who have undergone amputations, and even those who have suffered simple injuries like cuts and scrapes, may yet lose their lives due to infection.

     Before the water filtration system was installed at the university well, many refugees got their drinking water downstream from where others were washing and relieving themselves.  ADRA is distributing 14,000 biscuits in five centers, however much more is needed. While we are procuring more food, large tents for shelter, blankets, and medicines these items will only address the immediate needs.

If you would like to know more, or would like to know how you can make a diiference,  please click here

Click here to here to see ADRA's quick reference guide to what they are doing

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