The Need is Great

Like many of you, I have been closely following the media accounts of the tragic earthquake (and the horrific aftermath of human suffering) in Haiti. It seems almost overwhelmingly to fully comprehend the level of tragedy.

HBI has been receiving a number of inquiries as to our potential involvement in Haiti. I have been in e-mail and telephone communication with a number of people who are looking for a mechanism to help. I completely understand the need to help, and . . .

The "and" for me is this - now is not the time for a rush to action in Haiti by HBI. The critical response to Haiti and the needs of the Haitian people is best facilitated by organizations that focus their efforts toward disaster situations. What Haiti most needs right now are teams that are well-equipped, well-trained, fully supported to work in chaotic circumstances.

Military, government and NGO teams are working together to develop viable mechanisms to deliver basic supplies (food, water, medicine, hygiene equipment, etc.) to people suffering in the desperation. Search and rescue teams from around the world are using their honed skills to locate survivors trapped in the rubble. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières is desperately working to bring their expertise into the country to facilitate triage hospital services and "front line" care delivery. The Red Cross is putting together delivery mechanisms to get food and water to isolated areas of the island nation. And organizations like Partners in Health continue to delivery high quality care in makeshift clinics and hospitals.

Our support should be focused on helping these wonderful efforts. Now is the time to donate to the numerous emergency response efforts that will save lives and decrease suffering.

In the future, as the need for "bridge building" efforts become the focus of the needs in Haiti - HBI may be involved. The mission of our work is to support in-country organizations and efforts. The best way that we can do that is to shine the spotlight on the work of the organizations that are making a difference in Haiti today. In my opinion, the best thing that HBI can do at this time is to encourage our supporters to donate to organizations like Partners in Health and the American Red Cross.

There will be a time for organizations like HBI to get involved in supporting Haitian efforts to rebuild their country - but until then, we will support those organizations that are fully equipped to meet the immediate needs of the people of Haiti.