Red Cross Calls for Help With Haiti Earthquake

(Gadsden, AL - January 13, 2010) Gadsden-Etowah County Red Cross Director Heather Brothers New says her organization is seeking donors to help provide assistance for the residents of Haiti affected by yesterday's earthquake.

The American Red Cross has promised an initial one million dollars to help communites impacted by the seismic event, and is preparing to provide further assistance, if needed.

Initial reports indicate widespread damage in the nation's capital, Port au Prince following the tremor and its aftershocks. Red Cross officials state they expect requests for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support to follow quickly.

"In the next few days," a press release from New states, "the American Red Cross expects to release relief supplies from one of its warehouses in Panama for approxiumately 5,000 families and deploy a disaster management specialist to Haiti."

The American and Hatian Red Cross has an extensive partnership which employs several staff members on the island who provide ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness education. Founded in 1932, the Haitian Red Cross specializes in emergency response, community health services, blood transfusion, ambulance services and first aid training. While the county is frequently hit by hurricanes, earthquakes are rare.

A specially-trained International Response Team from the American Red Cross is preparing for deployment to the Caribbean nation. If you are interested in being a part of this team, you are encouraged to contact your local Red Cross Chapter regarding training and deployment.

"Although we are not currently accepting volunteers to travel to Haiti," New says, "you can contact the Etowah County CHapter to receive an application to enroll for the American Red Cross Disaster Services division." Volunteers are trained, free of charge, and will progress through responses ranging from local, national and international disasters, she says.

Monetary donations to support earthquake relief efforts are being accepted by the American Red Cross. Donations may be designated to AP 2885 Haiti Relief and Development at any Red Cross office, or on the American Red Cross website. Donations can also be made to the local Etowah County chapter at 405 South 1st Street, Gadsden 35901 via mail or in person. Checks should indicate the International Response Fund to be designated to the relief efforts such as those in Haiti.