MHA Working With State to Coordinate Hospital Community's Haiti Relief Efforts
By now, you are all aware of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday. Many people and organizations have been struck by the magnitude of this disaster—both the terrible loss of life as well as the suffering and dangerous conditions facing the survivors—and feel the need to respond to the humanitarian crisis that is developing.
At this stage of the tragedy, there remains a great deal of ambiguity about the situation in Haiti, and details about the specific needs of the community are not yet clear. However, there are some options for action that have been identified. For example, cash donations can be made to organizations such as Partners in Health (www.pih.org) or the Red Cross (www.redcross.org). In addition the Center for International Disaster Information (www.cidi.org), a USAID-funded organization, is gathering information from those who are interested in donating time or supplies.
Undoubtedly, you are considering how your healthcare organization might be able to provide assistance in the recovery efforts. As part of that process, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is cooperating with the Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA), the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Mass League), and the Massachusetts Senior Care Association (Mass Senior Care) on a brief survey about available healthcare resources, equipment and supplies. Partners in Health provided preliminary information about needed supplies that formed the basis of this survey, although it is by no means a completely comprehensive list.
We are asking that, if you are willing to assist, please complete the voluntary survey that we emailed to you as soon as possible, and no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday January 20, 2010. Please coordinate within your organization so that there is one response per hospital. If you have any questions or concerns about this survey, please email DPH’s Emergency Preparedness Bureau at DPH.EmergencyPreparedness@state.ma.us.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of State are responsible for coordinating the provision of resources to Haiti. Resources are provided only at the request of the Haitian government based on its assessment of the country's needs. Once a request is made, federal agencies must determine the most appropriate source for the requested item. Therefore this survey may be helpful by providing federal authorities with a list of potential equipment and supply donations from organizations within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Currently, there are very limited opportunities to volunteer to assist unless you are already a member of a relief organization or a medical assistance team like Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) or the International Medical Surgical Response Team (IMSuRT).
It is important to understand that right now this survey is just asking what material resources your healthcare organization is willing to donate to the relief effort. No one is asking you to place any supplies into boxes, or to put any boxes into the mail. While we are all interested in providing as much assistance to the people of Haiti as possible, it is important to remember that the ability to accept an offer of equipment and supplies is often dependent upon such considerations as current needs and logistics. Just by making your resources available through this process you are making a significant contribution to the relief efforts.
As we learn more about specific needs in Haiti and available means to deliver resources, DPH will be working with MHA, the Mass League, and Mass Senior Care to communicate that information to you. It is anticipated that DPH will be announcing a state-wide conference call with hospitals and other providers next week.
Thank you.