PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Assists Latest Survivor
Man who survives 28 days in rubble
brought to Salvation Army clinic for help
February 9, 2010 – Salvation Army personnel provided initial triage to the latest survivor of the Haitian earthquake. Evan Ocinia, a 28 year old man, was brought to The Army's clinic in the Delmas 2 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince after being miraculously pulled from the rubble in the Lionshead marketplace on the morning of February 8th- 28 days after the earthquake that destroyed nearly the entire country. Two men digging thorough the rubble heard Evans calling out to them. They pulled him out and took him to The Army's clinic.
"Evan was extremely dehydrated and had skin wounds but he didn't appear to have any critical wounds or broken bones," according to Major Evelyn Chavez, Emotional and Spiritual Care Officer. "He was able to hold his head up on his own and take some small sips of water from the doctor who accompanied the transport."
Salvation Army personnel transported Evan to the University Of Miami Hospital, which is located adjacent to the airport in Port au Prince.
The Salvation Army responded immediately to the earthquake in Haiti, with local Salvationists being quickly joined by international personnel. The Salvation Army has assumed responsibility for the care of nearly 20,000 people living in the temporary camp near its compound in Port-au-Prince. In addition, service sites are located in Petit Goave and Jacmel and distribution sites are in Croix-des-Bouquets (6 mi east of PAP) and Balan (18 mi east of PAP). Its medical clinic continues to treat more than 250 people a day on-site, with several transfers daily to the hospital.
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.
