Haiti Earthquake Response

Lafayette, LA - January 15, 2010 - By now, you’ve heard of the devastation in Haiti caused by Tuesday’s earthquake and, in many cases, responded with inquiries about Schumacher Group efforts to assist in relief efforts. We commend those intentions and offers of assistance, and share in the wish to be part of a meaningful response or recovery initiative.

Given the international scope, the breadth of the disaster, and the complex nature of the required response, Schumacher Group believes that the best way to deliver much-needed assistance is to work through other organizations that coordinate first responder emergency relief. Thereby, communication, travel, access, prioritization, and safety issues are effectively addressed, while optimally funneling aid to those in need.

Recognizing the desire of many providers to offer the skills of our specialty or even non-medical relief to help people in dire need of those, we’d like to direct your attention to organizations already galvanizing staff, volunteers and supplies. That would include organizations like Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Rotary International and others that we’ve confirmed have Haiti Recovery messages and guidance for involvement on their individual websites. You may also find meaningful and more rapid access to involvement through a local, regional or state volunteer organization in your communities.

As we develop any efforts for further coordination with these groups or others or set up funds to collect donations, we will keep you informed. Some very useful information can be found at the following sites, meanwhile. The first link, in particular, is excellent advice from the CDC for anyone regarding the risks of venturing into Haiti at this time.

From the CDC: Announcement Guidance for Relief Workers and Others Traveling to Haiti for Earthquake Response

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/news-announcements/relief-workers-haiti.aspx

From ACEP: Join an International Medical Response Team

http://www.acep.org/ACEPmembership.aspx?id=25150

Link to the AMA site for more links to aid Haiti:

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/news/news/haiti-earthquake-response/help.shtml

Many of these sites accept donations to help in this crisis, and for other worthy causes.

Stephen Nichols, MD

Disaster Assistance Response Team Leader

Visit Disaster Assistance Response Team to learn about / join DART.

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