A letter to CNN results in US military to help a neglected town near the Earthquake center

[stray cat]

A Haitian friend and colleague who lost family members in the quake has been worried about friends and family in a town of maybe 15000 about 15 miles from PortaPrince even closer to the epicenter that had gotten no help. He was in touch with family members there who reported they were on the streets with no food and water - housing, infrastructure, the village hospital had all been destroyed. He wrote a letter to CNN and today I heard the letter had been brought to the attention of those at CNN who informed the media and a few US soldiers came out to asses the situation today. They couldn't give much help yet but at least the US is aware of the town and its people and they are no longer invisible. I was proud and happy he took the initiative by going to CNN. He has been fervently working US and Haitian government agencies which have been receptive and helpful but it took getting the info to CNN to mobilize relief. Thanks to him, CNN and the US soldiers.

The towns people are staying close together - the prisoners who escaped from the jail are making it dangerous to not be affiliated with friends and family ie strength in numbers. My friend says CARE, Partners in Health, and Doctors without borders all have established efficient organizations long term in Haiti with some of the best ratios for money spent on the needs and program compared to advertising and administration. Greater than 94% for Partners in Health.

[lonewolf579]

1. CNN has been AWESOME

CNN has been awesome on the reporting of the EQ in Haiti

[stray cat]

2. They really have been - definitely the place to go for international events

and I sure appreciate the way they have helped others find loved ones and in this case kept a group from being forgotten.

Thanks for you post :hi:

[clear eye]

3. Check out Action Against Hunger. I think you will find it compares favorably

with the groups your friend is aware of. It often partners w/ Doctors w/o Borders to handle the needs they aren't equipped to, and AAH has been in Haiti since 1985.

[stray cat]

4. Thanks for the info - I will and will pass it on to him as well

:hi:

[stray cat]

6. Here is a link - you are right they look good

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3212

[clear eye]

9. For further info see these pages on their website=>>

The report on their activities since the earthquake: http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/pressroom/releases/2010/01/16

Their donation page: https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/donate/earthquake-haiti?s_src=pressrelease&s_subsrc=haiti

And thank you for seeking out groups that are carrying the load but don't get the visibility of the Red Cross.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. They are moving to the country side already

and not just this town.

And they are finding (as predicted) that things are that much worst.

This is a nightmare

Oh and let me add, CNN has not been that marvelous. They are covering stories half way.

The woman that they pulled out of the rubble yesterday that Sanjay could not bother to find what happened to her. Was tended first by Mexican field medics, the people who brought her out. Then by Cuban doctors in a field hospital, and ended up at the IDF run facility where she has had a hip and femur fixed.

But Sanjay insisted that she'd get no care...

I am sure it just took a little time to get her a spot after triage at the IDF facilty and Sanjay could not be bothered.

This is but one of many examples... after all we know that the Vinson, where he operated on the kid, didn't have an ICU either.

[stray cat]

7. It was bad before - but this really is nightmare

I had no idea my colleague was from Haiti. It brings it even closer to home

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. I fullly undersatnd, during the Mexico City quake

which was not as bad (in extent of damage or population affected), we could not talk to parents for two weeks and we found out they were fine three days after, from a HAM radio.

I still sent four days into it a case of water purification tablets using Fed Ex. The most expensive packet I ever sent. 120 bucks. still remember.