Statement from Senator Mikulski on Maryland's Contribution to Relief Efforts in Haiti

Statement

As the USNS Comfort took its first patients on board this morning, U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) issued the following statement on Maryland's contribution to international relief efforts in Haiti:

"I am so proud of what Maryland and Marylanders are doing to help save lives in Haiti. Maryland is home to some of the most well-established and effective relief organizations in the world. And individual Marylanders -- as well as schools, churches, mosques, synagogues and community groups -- are giving in a big-hearted way.

"Whether it's the taxpayer funded USNS Comfort or a text message to the Red Cross to contribute $10, Marylanders and people across America are responding with compassion and generosity. They are donating to get food, water and medical supplies to Haiti despite tough economic times here at home. Catholic Relief Services has already received more than $16 million. Major League Baseball has pledged $1 million.

"Maryland and Marylanders are also at the forefront of America's aid effort. Just a few days ago the Baltimore-based USNS Comfort left port, steaming its way down the Bay. This morning it took its first patients on board. More than 560 Navy doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, many of them based at Bethesda Naval Hospital, are staffing the Comfort's 500 hospital beds and dozen operating rooms to treat critically injured and ill men, women and children desperate for care. More than 60 civilian Merchant Mariners are operating and navigating the Comfort while Navy medical teams provide the care.

"I am so proud of Maryland-based relief agencies -- like Catholic Relief Services, World Relief, IMA World Health, Adventist Development and Relief Agency, CHF International, and Lutheran World Relief -- and the people who work there. Rick Santos, head of IMA World Health and Silver Spring resident, spent more than two days trapped in the rubble of a Haitian hotel. When he arrived home after his ordeal, he asked us to stay mobilized and to not forget the people of Haiti.

"I am so proud of our state and our people. Maryland has answered the call for help with extraordinary capability, kindness and verve."

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