Earthquake in Haiti

On Tuesday, January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the nation of Haiti. In these first critical hours, government and aid organizations are focusing on saving lives and supporting recovery.

For the most up to date information, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake.

Locate Loved Ones 
Families of American citizens living in Haiti who are trying to find the status of their loved ones are encouraged to contact the State Department at 1-888-407-4747. This line is experiencing a high volume of calls at this time, so please be patience.

In addition, the Red Cross has established a website called Family Links. It is a site where victims in the disaster area can register. In addition, it allows relatives to register if they are looking for people in the affected area. This site accepts all inquiries, regardless of citizenship. Please visit http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/.

Monetary Donations

Cash donations are the most efficient and effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti right now. They allow humanitarian organizations to purchase (often within the affected region itself) the exact type and quantity of items needed by those affected by the crisis. Make a donation to immediately assist the relief effort through the following organizations:   

• American Red Cross - Donate $10 by texting HAITI to 90999. Through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department, the funds will go to support the American Red Cross in Haiti. To make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

• The Samuel Dalembert Foundation - During Friday's 76ers game in Philadelphia, Samuel Dalembert will present a check for $100,000 as his initial contribution to Haiti Earthquake Relief. He has also pledged to match any donations made by fans during the game. Representatives from his charitable partner UNICEF will also be present to detail the efforts on the ground in Haiti in response to the tragedy. Please consider making your own donation today at www.dalembertfoundation.org or www.unicef.org.
   
• Yele Haiti - www.yele.org.
   
• Doctors Without Borders - www.doctorswithoutborders.com.   

Supply Donations

Be advised monetary donations are preferred by the disaster relief organizations. However if you still wish to donate supplies, you can find information on needed relief supplies and where to drop them from the Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia at http://www.hpphilly.org.

Further Relief Efforts
Those looking to donate time, supplies or funds should contact the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) at 703-276-1914, or visit them on-line at http://www.cidi.org/incident/haiti-10a/. USAID.gov also has a list of Non-Governmental Organizations and instructions on how to help. 

Philadelphia encourages the public to focus their efforts on supporting established aid organizations that are deploying resources to Haiti, and to hold off on traveling there themselves.

Behavioral Health Support
For mental health support during this time of crisis, call the following agencies:

• Salvation Army, Emotional and Spiritual Care - (610) 291-2083, (215)551-0460 
• American Red Cross, Disaster Mental Health - (215) 299-4889 
• City of Philadelphia, Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services, Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline - (215) 686-4420 
• City of Philadelphia, Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services, Acute Services Line (215) 686-6440

You can also visit the American Psychological Association for information on "Managing Your Distress About The Earthquake From Afar."