For those wanting to help Haiti after the quake

[nadinbrzezinski]

Look the most effective thing you can do is GIVE MONEY so the ICRC will be able to buy what they need and use it.

Here you go

http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/helpicrc

No, the actual Haiti quake is not up yet, but you can bet it will be as soon as they update the site.

Of course you could always go to the American Red Cross. Me, personally, after 9.11 I go to the ICRC, but that is just me.

But find an organization that will send people and give them the funds. They manage to spread them and use them for on the ground help and logistics operations. For those who scuff, disaster relief and war planning are similar in one respect... they are driven by a logistics chain.

[enlightenment]

1. Thank you for posting the link. Kicked to keep it on top.

Recommended, too - though I dislike that feature in the main . . .

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Oh you welcome

as a former Red Cross Medic I just know how this works. So I expect a lag of a few hours (Haiti has gone international more than once), or wost case a day, before they make the necessary calls and kill the proper trees.

Yes, there is red tape, even in disasters.

[aquart]

2. k&r

[Warpy]

4. Point taken about the ICRC, they're different from our corrupt national group

Other NGOs that can mobilize quickly and get in there are:

Doctors without Borders http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

Oxfam http://www.oxfam.org/

Savation Army International http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf (love them or hate them, they do get in there and do the job)

There will likely be more listed as more is known about just how bad this is. I'm expecting it to be catastrophic.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. National societies usually face a revolt from within when things get

bad enough...

Just that when it happens it usually does in the middle of a war... (civil war)... I know happy thoughts.

And yes the UNHCR will be there too, but they don't take donations.

Oh and for those NEAR oh Virginia Beach, their Fire Rescue team is on alert (just how things are) so if they accept a little help, gear wise or donation wise to fund their little trip... will also be appreciated.

[BrightKnight]

6. USAID and the DoD could get some resources in fast.

Guantánamo Bay is only about 150 miles out. NGOs are the best long term option.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Show me exaclty where I can give money to US AID

oh wait I do... it is called my taxes.

:-)

Now reality is that DOD will be there SOON. Who do you think flies the Virginia Rescue Team every time?

[tavalon]

7. Is the ICRC run as poorly as the American Red Cross?

Ever since I tried to volunteer as a nurse during Katrina, I've been very leery of Red Cross. I doubt that very much help got to the victims of Katrina by way of the Red Cross.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. The ICRC is run very well

but they send in experts to help locals, and buy things based on what locals ask for. They realized a long time ago that locals might just have a clue. Hell, one of those aha moments was the Mexico City Quake. Some nations, well intentioned mind you, sent smoked salmon... well that ended up in the black market since the locals (except the very well to do) did not know what to do with it. Things got much better when they went, ok what the hell do you need? Rice, beans... and not just any time of rice... blankets would be nice.

As to the ARC... lets just say I have my Katrina stories... and they involve helping a few in the US Guv'ment to get that international help IN SPITE the ARC and the Department of State.

No there are no protocols.

Yes, yes there are... oy.

[tavalon]

10. Thank you

My experience with the Red Cross left a permanent bad taste in my mouth.

[applegrove]

11. Thanks for posting.

[tekisui]

12. knr!