Haiti earthquake: Resources and how to help
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The U.S. State Department Operations Center set up the following number for Americans seeking information about relatives in Haiti: 888-407-4747.
The department cautioned that because of heavy volume, some callers may hear a recording.
The department also suggested contacting agencies such as the Red Cross or Mercy Corps to help with relief efforts.
American Red Cross
Disaster Alert: Earthquake in Haiti
You can text ‘HAITI’ to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti. The donation will be charged to your cellphone bill.
The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities affected by the earthquake and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation. As with most earthquakes, the Red Cross expects to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.
The American Red Cross is accepting donations through its International Response Fund. Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013 or made by phone at 800-REDCROSS or 800-257-7575 (Spanish), or online at www.redcross.org.
Mercy Corps
Make a donation through Mercy Corps.
Call for registered nurses to help quake victims
OAKLAND (AP) -- A national organization of registered nurses is calling for nurse volunteers to assist residents of earthquake-devastated Haiti.
In a statement Tuesday, National Nurses United Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro said the organization is calling on nurses throughout the U.S. to join in this crucial effort.
Through the Registered Nurse Response Network, the organization says it hopes to send nurses to provide emergency short-term and long-term medical support as it has in previous major disasters.
The organization says details are still being worked out, but nurses can sign up at the NNU website, www.nationalnursesunited.org.
--Associated Press