PRESS RELEASE
The Salvation Army in Haiti:
A Place of Life and New Birth
February 9, 2010 – In the midst of death and destruction, The Salvation Army is a place of life and new birth. The Army's medical personnel provided the initial triage to Evan Ocinia, the latest survivor miraculously pulled from the rubble. The Army stabilized him and transported him to the University of Miami's hospital near the Port-au-Prince airport. In addition, to being a place where survivors can find hope, The Army is a place where babies can begin their new life. Already, eight babies have been delivered at The Army's clinic. Truly, it is an honor to be His hands to a suffering community.
Relief ministries include the following:
· In an effort to combat human trafficking, Salvation Army food rations are printed with a warning, written in both English and Creole, against such actions. Recipients are instructed to beware of people who are offering jobs in foreign countries and those who are offering money, food, shelter or drugs in exchange for sex. In addition, they are advised to know where their children are and who they are with. If they are threatened or are being controlled, they are instructed to seek a Salvation Army Comfort Center.
· Medical personnel have served 16,110 individuals.
· The medical clinic is participating in the Ministry of Health's targeted vaccination program. The vaccines include diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis for children under seven, and diphtheria and tetanus for everyone over age eight. The overall target for the campaign is to reach around 530,000 children under seven, including approximately 250,000 children in settlements and 280,000 outside settlements.
· Eight babies have been delivered at the clinic since the earthquake.
· Several transfers are made daily to the University of Miami Hospital (adjacent to the Port-au-Prince airport.)
·Over the next two weeks, the medical team will seek to 'normalize' the general medicine operation, while keeping a tight focus on the surgical care of wounds sustained in the earthquake (ongoing, not new wounds).
THE SALVATION ARMY PRESENCE IN HAITI (PRE-EMERGENCY)
The Salvation Army has been officially working in Haiti since 1950. Our present assets in the country include:
· 63 Commissioned Salvation Army Officers
· 161 Employees
· 39 Corps and 23 Outposts (Worship and Community Centers)
· 5 Social Institutions (Clinics, Children’s Homes)
· 46 Schools with 443 Teachers
INITIAL EMERGENCY PRIORITIES
The Salvation Army’s initial Emergency Assessment has confirmed the following priorities, in order of immediate importance:
1. Water - Safe drinking water
2. Nutrition - Food
3. Medical Assistance - Medical supplies and treatment
4. Shelter
5. Trauma, grief, and spiritual counseling
SHORT TERM RECOVERY
Once the initial needs have been met, the next step will be to provide sustainable solutions to make necessities available to the affect population:
· Repair/reestablish local water sources
· Provide water filtration capacity
· Provide assistance to local population to rebuild permanent, more earthquake resistant housing
· Develop strategic plans for long term Salvation Army Program and Facility Reconstruction
INTO THE FUTURE
The Salvation Army was active in Haiti before the earthquake. We will rebuild our damaged faculties, while continuing our already well established programs. We are committed to standing by the Haitian people as they move into the future.
· Medical clinics
· Education
· Long Term Relief and Reconstruction
· Community Development Projects / Income generation / Child Nutrition / HIV/AIDS
· Advocacy
If you would like to make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, you can donate through:
•Online Credit Card Contributions or PayPal
• Text ‘HAITI’ to 52000
•Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
•Mail a check to
The Salvation Army
2445 Prior AVE N
Roseville, MN 55313
*Please note that your donation is for Haiti Earthquake relief*
•Even before donations are processed, The Salvation Army is committing and spending money on relief efforts in Haiti. Donations are critical now and also help ensure that the long-term needs of the Haitian people are met. Click below to make an online donation.
