In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, make a donation to organizations with a history working in that nation. Here are some suggestions on how you can make a difference:
PARTNERS IN HEALTH
Partners In Health (PIH) has been providing vital health care services
in Haiti for more than 20 years and has over 100 doctors, 600 nurses
and 4,000 employees on the ground in Haiti working from 10 existing PIH
hospitals to provide relief services to those affected by Tuesday’s
earthquake.
MEDICC and GLOBAL LINKS
MEDICC
and Global Links (Pittsburgh, PA) are sending material aid to
Cuban-trained Haitian doctors on the front lines in Haiti's public
hospitals and clinics. Now
400-strong, they were already on the ground when disaster struck,
serving in 120 communities throughout the country, including the
hard-hit capital of Port-au-Prince. Graduates of the Latin American
Medical School in Cuba, these doctors come from some of Haiti's poorest
regions, and will stay long after the initial disaster response is over. Like
the 370 Cuban medical personnel who work with them, they are committed
for the long-term to improving health and health care in Haiti.
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
Doctors Without Borders operates one of the only free trauma centers in Port-au-Prince as
well as an emergency hospital in the capital for pregnant women, new
mothers, and newborn children. All three of its primary medical centers
have collapsed, but DWB/MSF has already set up temporary shelters and
is offering emergency care on the ground.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HAITI
The Haiti Action Committee
is a San Francisco Bay Area-based network of activists in the USA who
have supported the Haitian struggle for democracy since 1991. Their website provides important background on political and social realities in Haiti. HaitiAction.net is a leading news source for breaking news and analysis on the current situation in Haiti. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THEIR HAITI EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND.
For news coverage on Haiti with an historical background, in-depth analysis and grassroots perspectives, tune to  Democracy Now! a daily TV/radio news program hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 800 stations. Visit their website to learn more.
Investigative reporter Greg Palast points to some of the many contradictions that the U.S. mainstream TV
networks have yet to explore: "History of a Haitian Holocaust." Click here to read his article.
Teaching for Change has posted a free downloadable version of Teaching About Haiti and a list of recommend resources for K-12. They write:
"All too often in the midst of the reporting on the tragedy in Hait i, we
hear that the country is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere
without the infrastructure to deal with the disaster. But little
explanation is provided as to why, leaving students to assume it must
be the fault of the people there. Nor do we hear of the strong
grassroots Haitian organizations.
While students should be encouraged to contribute to relief efforts, it
is also important to gain a deeper understanding of the history and the
roots of the poverty in Haiti. The US has been involved with Haiti for centuries, yet it has received little attention in textbooks or the
curriculum. Part of our commitment to the people of Haiti at this time
can be to not only increase our support but also our awareness. As
informed citizens, we can advocate for respectful and constructive
relations with Haiti in the months and years ahead."
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