Kingston, NY (Jan. 13, 2010) 11:45 a.m. - The American Red Cross has pledged $1,000,000 to assist communities impacted by yesterday's earthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation.

"Initial reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with continuing aftershocks," says Tracy Reines, director of international disaster response for the American Red Cross. "As with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support."

WHAT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IS DOING:

• Pledged $1,000,000 to assist the Haitian earthquake relief effort.
• Made available all of the relief supplies from its warehouse in Panama which would provide for basic needs for approximately 5,000 families. 
• Deploying a disaster management specialist to Haiti, and has additional disaster specialists on standby if needed.
• Working with the Haitian Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the earthquake.
• Working with American Red Cross staff on the ground in Haiti, who are working to obtain more information on the situation.

WHAT THE PUBLIC CAN DO TO HELP:

• Make financial donations to the International Relief Fund by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-257-7575--Spanish language line) or online at www.redcross.org. The Ulster County Chapter is also accepting donor designated dollars and will steward those funds to the International Relief Fund.
• Donors may also text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts. This donation will be added to the mobile phone user's next cell phone bill or deducted from their pre-paid plan balance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC:

• At this time, the American Red Cross has not been asked to provide blood products to Haiti. Those looking to donate blood are encouraged to do so by making an appointment with 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www.redcrossblood.org, but should be aware that blood will be used for domestic disaster relief efforts. If the Haitian Red Cross indicates a need for blood supplies, the American Red Cross will respond to any request based on availability.
• The American Red Cross cannot accept individual donations of blankets, food, clothing or other material items.
• Those concerned about people travelling abroad or living in Haiti should contact the U.S. State Department at 1-888-407-4747 for assistance. The American Red Cross Safe & Well website does not apply to international disasters.

MEDIA RESOURCES: 

• Photos for public distribution are available at http://media.redcross.org (user name: current, password: redcross) in the Current Catalog.
• For up-to-date news and video on this disaster, visit the Online Disaster Newsroom at http://newsroom.redcross.org.
• The Haitian Red Cross was founded in 1932 and is one of the primary organizations in the country responding to disasters. Although earthquakes are less common, Haiti is frequently impacted by hurricanes including those in 2008, and the Haiti Red Cross has developed experience in disaster response due those disasters.