We were recently contacted by one of our directors in Pennsylvania, Laureen Dempsey, inquiring into the possibility of our organization gearing up for direct relief efforts in Haiti.
While the specific details are still being finalized, all indications are we’ll be headed to Haiti within the week. Our initial response will be directed at two locations, St. Damien’s Children’s Hospital and St. Helene Orphanage, located just outside Port-au-Prince.
Laureen has been in contact with Father Rick Frechette, the Director of St. Damiens Children’s Hospital, and she is serving as our point of contact for the mission.
While their immediate needs will dictate our role and response, we anticipate our mission will include material and technical assistance in a buildup for future missions.
Our first contact included requests for baby food and formula, as well as medical supplies and suturing kits, but as the situation is fluid, we’re awaiting an update on what they need most.
While on the ground, we also hope to utilize some of our specialized skill sets, to include providing an accurate and comprehensive needs assessment based on the current situation status.
More will follow, but we wanted to give you a heads up as we prepare to deploy.
Please keep the children and people of Haiti in your prayers.
Sam
