The January 12, 2010, 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti has unleashed a global outpouring of help. However, the need continues to outweigh the resources. The death toll from the devastating quake could be between 45,000 and 50,000, with another three million people hurt or homeless, according to the Haitian Red Cross. And for Haitians living with diabetes and other chronic health conditions, the situation is even worse, with hospitals in ruin and medical care virtually non-existent.
You can help.
To contribute, visit one of these sites:
AmericaresAmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion.
DirectRelief.orgDirect Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world.
Doctors Without BordersDoctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971.
dLife FoundationThe dLife Foundation supports individuals who are in need of diabetes supplies, education, and motivational programs through organizations, foundations and camps. The dLife Foundation also funds diabetes organizations who share our goals of helping those in need. Now through March 31, 2010, all donations to the dLife Foundation will go directly to relief organizations assisting those in medical need in Haiti.
Insulin for LifeInsulin For Life (IFL) is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit company registered in the state of Victoria, Australia that was established in 1999. It evolved from the 20-year program at the International Diabetes Institute, Australia. The organization collects and donates insulin, syringes, test strips and other supplies to people in urgent need, including victims of natural disasters such as the Haiti earthquake.
Partners in HealthPIH was founded in 1987, two years after the Clinique Bon Sauveur was set up in Cange, Haiti, to deliver health care to the residents of the mountainous Central Plateau. PIH co-founders had been working in the area for years. The Clinic was just the first of an arc of successful projects designed to address the health care needs of the residents of the poorest area in Haiti. In the 20 years since then, PIH has expanded its operations to eight other sites in Haiti and nine additional countries.
Red CrossSince its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering. You can also help the Red Cross with an instant donation by texting "Haiti" to 90999. 100% of your $10 donation will go to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.
UNICEFUNICEF was created with this purpose in mind – to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. The organization has mobilized to provide basic medical and health supplies, family kits/shelter and water hygiene and sanitation supplies to victims of the Haiti quake.
