* Donate by going to www.redcross.org and donating to the International Response Fund
* Donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS
* Donate by TEXT-Text "Haiti" to 90999 and a donation of $10 will be given to the Red Cross to help

*At least 91 cents of every dollar donate goes directly towards relief efforts

January 25, 2010 (Updated as of 4 p.m. EST)

HAITI RELIEF UPDATES

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross wants to let Southeast Michigan residents know how our organization internationally and locally is responding to the unfortunate situation in Haiti.

Here’s the latest:

• The Haiti Disaster Relief effort is already the largest single-country relief operation in global Red Cross history.
  
• It is clear that what took only minutes to destroy will take many years to rebuild with the collective support of governments and relief agencies from across the world.
  
• So far more than 38 flights have arrived in Haiti delivering at least 100 tons of Red Cross aid. Additional planes, ships and trucks with Red Cross carrying humanitarian assistance are expected everyday.
  
• At least 19 Red Cross Emergency Response Units (ERUs) have been activated for the response thus far, of which eleven have arrived and are operational, delivering medical care, clean water, logistics and telecommunications support.
  
• The Red Cross continues to reach affected areas outside of Port-au-Prince, establishing first aid posts and assessing water needs for earthquake survivors. Inside Port-au-Prince, distributions of relief supplies, delivery of clean water and medical care continues.
  
• As of Friday, an additional 70 Creole-speaking American Red Cross disaster relief specialists arrived to Haiti to assist with translation as a part of relief efforts.
  
• Approximately 3 million pre-packaged meals from the American Red Cross left Miami via ship and is scheduled to arrive in Haiti this week for distribution.
  
• The American Red Cross will continue to respond to the ongoing situation and act in coordination with the International Federation and global Red Cross network.
  
• At this time, the SEM Chapter has not been asked to mobilize any of its staff or volunteers to assist on the ground in Haiti as part of our relief efforts.
  
• Our chapter is on stand by to support these relief efforts in whatever way we can if mobilized based upon need.
  
• We will continue to participate in a series of national briefings daily.
  
• People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

• § A $10 donation made through mobile giving can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, basic first aid supplies or a blanket appropriate to the climate.

• We are sincerely thankful for those who have donated to date BUT the need is still ongoing and we ask that everyone please do what you can to support our relief efforts.
  

Inquiries regarding US Citizens living or traveling in Haiti

• We here at the SEM also can help any Detroiters who may be trying to connect with loved ones who may be in Haiti through our international tracing service.
  
• Persons seeking news from their loved ones can therefore register the name of the sought persons directly on the site at: http://www.icrc.org/familylinks
  
• To date, more than 24,000 people have registered through this site.
  
• Inquiries concerning U.S. Citizens abroad should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens services, at 1-888-407-4747
  

SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING DONATION

• We are asking the public to make a financial donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which provides immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to those in need.
  
• These donations can be made in the following ways:
  
• By mail send your donations to the American Red Cross, P.O. BOX 37243, Washington D.C. 20013
  
• By phone call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 for Spanish
  
• Online you can visit www.redcross.org.
  
• Mobile donors can text the word “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross to support our relief efforts in Haiti.
  
• At LEAST 91 cents of every dollar donated goes directly towards relief efforts.
  
• BE SURE TO CHECK WWW.SEMREDCROSS.ORG AND WWW.SEMTOUROFDUTY.ORG FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION ABOUT HAITI RELIEF INCLUDING THE LATEST VIDEO AND PICTURES.

On Tuesday, January 12, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. The American Red Cross is responding to this tragic event with financial assistance. At this time, no specific request has been made by the Haitian government for the Red Cross to provide blood or blood products to support treatment of the victims of the earthquake. However, the Red Cross is shipping blood products at the request of the UN Mission in Haiti as well as for some patients who have been moved to a hospital in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The American Red Cross Blood Services is meeting the needs of this tragedy through current supplies. At this time, we do not anticipate the need for a special donor appeal to support our efforts. As always, blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossblood.org to make an appointmen