Dear friend,

As word of the disaster in Haiti spread last evening, our first concern was to ensure the safety of Sister Mary Ann Berard, OSF, and our other friends and partners on the ground in Jeremie and Port-au-Prince. Word has reached us that Sister Maryann and many of our associates are safe, although overwhelmed with the scope of this disaster. Many of our associates are now homeless and attempting to deal with their personal disasters as they strive to aid the thousands of other affected by this earthquake.

HSMO is responding to the crisis through our many long-term relationships with organizations like Food for the Poor, Catholic Relief Services, and the U.S. Military. Per the request of the Haitian relief workers, we have switched our focus to preparing blankets, hygiene kits and a few immediate medical supplies like bandages and first aid. Our first shipment should be going out by tomorrow morning, with the assistance of the Navy. We will then turn our attention to larger supplies as requests come in. As in many countries of the world, our commitment is to the long-term medical needs of our partners in care. As hospitals and clinics are rebuilt we will be there to supply them with the items they need to begin treatment.

Bruce Compton, President/CEO of HSMO, lived in Haiti for two years (2000-2002) and worked with the Haitian Health Foundation in Jeremie. He is currently also working with the Catholic Consortia for International Healthcare with hospitals in Port-au-Prince, he has worked closely with Hospital St. Joseph, the Haitian Development Fund, Hospital St. Frances De Sales, and the Catholic Relief Services. Due to his many personal relationships in Haiti we are able to respond to the immediate needs of the relief and medical workers who are on the ground in the worst hit areas.

If you would like to assist in getting these much needed medical supplies to Haiti, please go on-line to www.mission-outreach.org and help us cover the costs of shipping the supplies we are assembling. If you have questions about donations or would like to volunteer please contact, Pamela Perlmutter, Development and Public Relations Manager at 217-525-8843 ext. 181 or at pperlmutter@hsosf-usa.org.