Op-Ed: Common Sense on: Relief Efforts in Haiti

Op-Ed

By Senator Tom Harkin

Most of us now have seen the heart-wrenching images of people suffering in Haiti as a result of the massive earthquake that hit January 12. Right now, millions of Haitians need the most basic of necessities such water, food and medical supplies.

As a state, Iowa has had its fair share of natural disasters, and during these times, we have looked to our friends, families and neighbors for help. And now is a time that we can give back to others in need. There are several organizations that have come to the aid of this grief-stricken country, but they need our support.

There are several ways to help. In fact, donating money is as easy as sending a text message. For example, by texting "HAITI" to 85944 a donation of $10 will be given to the International Medical Corps. This amount will be automatically added to your cell phone bill. You can also text "HAITI" to 864833 to give a $5 donation to the United Way. You can even donate to each of these worthwhile organizations multiple times from your cell phone.

You can also assist an organization via their website or hotline. The Red Cross can be reached by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or by visiting www.RedCross.org. You can help the United Nations Foundation by calling 202-887-9040 or donate to UNICEF by visiting www.Unicef.org.

For those looking to donate time rather than money, there are several volunteer options. The United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance has set up a website and phone line specifically dedicated to coordinating support for Haiti. More information can be found at http://www.cidi.org/incident/haiti-10a/ or by calling 703-276-1914.

While relief efforts continue, there are many people at home in Iowa who have questions or need assistance finding loved ones who were in Haiti during the earthquake. The U.S. Embassy in Port Au Price is currently working to identify and assist all Americans in Haiti. For those in the United States with questions about U.S. citizens in Haiti, the Haiti Task Force can be reached at 1-888-407-4747 or by emailing Haiti-Earthquate@state.gov. Haitian citizens in the United States should contact the Haitian Embassy at 202-332-4090 or the Haitian Consulate at 305-859-2003 for more help and information.

U.S. Citizens with a pending adoption case in Haiti should contact the Department of State at AskCl@state.gov and Haitianadoptions@dhs.gov at the Department of Homeland Security with the full name and date of birth of any child, the name and contact information of the orphanage as well as the full name and contact information of the adoptive parents regarding their case.

For additional information please visit the Department of State's website at www.state.gov or call them toll free at 1-800-877-8339. Iowans with a specific need or unique case can contact my office at 515-284-4574 (Des Moines), 202-224-3254 (Washington, DC) or http://harkin.senate.gov for assistance.

Our thoughts go out to all of the victims of this disaster and all of those here in the United States with loved ones in Haiti. It is my hope that we can help the people of Haiti get through this time and rebuild their nation.

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