Saints Helps Haiti

The thoughts and prayers of all of us are with the people of Haiti, the Haitian community in the U.S., and all those on the ground there who are responding to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the chaotic aftermath of the devastating January 12 earthquake. Please continue to pray for the devastated people of this country. To help us keep connected in prayer and conscience with the people of Haiti, a prayer service may be viewed.
 
The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHAUSA) is reporting commitment from Catholic healthcare organizations throughout the country to helping Haiti rebuild damaged Catholic hospitals and clinics. Naturally, there are many individuals who want to rush to the aid of those poor, suffering people and our own employees are among those. However, it is important to note that assistance must arrive in continuous waves of supplies, money, and human resources over a sustained period of time. The first waves include international government forces to coordinate the delivery and distribution of goods and services along with seasoned search and rescue teams from around the world. To underscore this, FEMA has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, I'd like to remind our response community that assets should not self deploy to affected areas. The United States Department of State and USAID have the lead for foreign disaster assistance, and U.S. assets should deploy only if asked to do so by the State Department or USAID.  The most urgent need that the response community can fulfill at this time is supporting ongoing disaster relief fundraising efforts.”

President and CEO, Mike Guley, has committed the hospital to a matching donation for all money raised by its employees.

The following are organizations recommended by the Catholic Healthcare Association and watchdog organizations, The American Institute of Philanthropy and the Better Business Bureau:

Catholic Relief Services
93% of all donations go directly to aid.
Rated among the top ten most efficient relief organizations.
In operations for over 60 years, governed by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops.
www.crs.org

CMMB-Catholic Medical Mission Board
96% of all donations help build clinics, hospitals and programs in poor countries.
Has been in Haiti since 1912.
Monetary donations preferred.
Medical supplies from hospitals only.
www.cmmb.org

American Red Cross
92% of all donations go to relief efforts and programs.
Indicate Haiti Relief on all checks.
Call 1-800-Red Cross.
www.redcross.org

Partners in Health
Boston Based group providing preferential option for the poor in healthcare.
Has been on the ground providing healthcare in Haiti for 20 years.
www.pih.org