Two Months after Haiti Earthquake, American Refugee Committee Warns that ''Public Health Disaster Looms''

MINNEAPOLIS , March 12 /Businesswire/ - Exactly two months after the earthquake in Haiti, the American Refugee Committee warns that many more people may die from the spread of diseases brought on by the fast-approaching rainy season.

“A public health disaster looms, and thousands more people are still in need of assistance,” said Daniel Wordsworth, American Refugee Committee President. “Many people still need shelter, and, with the incoming rains, there is a potential for many more deaths from diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and diarrheal diseases.”

The American Refugee Committee is assisting more than 10,000 people in two areas of Haiti, and is expanding its shelter and health programs to address the public health crisis. To date, the American Refugee Committee:

• SHELTER: Managing and distributing tarps to a 9,000 person settlement in an impoverished district of Port-au-Prince. Constructed a settlement on the Haiti/Dominican Republic border housing families left critically injured and homeless by the quake.
• WATER AND SANITATION: Drilling wells, digging latrines, and installing hand pumps to get people fresh, clean water and prevent the spread of disease.
• MEDICAL CARE: Treating thousands of people for injuries and diseases ranging from respiratory infections and malaria to psychological trauma brought on by the quake. Continuing to treat on average 140 patients per day.
• PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN: Opened four safe places where more than 1,000 children play and participate in educational activities. Working with local Haitian teachers on programming.
• FOOD AND SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION: Distributed food and essential supplies to more than 5,000 people in several locations, focusing on the most vulnerable people first. Distributions include rice, oil, beans, medical supplies, tents, tarps, hygiene items, and other necessities.

In-the-field Photos and Interviews Are Available

TO DONATE

Support relief efforts donating to the American Refugee Committee at: www.ARCrelief.org or 800-875-7060 or send to American Refugee Committee, 430 Oak Grove St., Suite 204, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN REFUGEE COMMITTEE

The American Refugee Committee is an international humanitarian aid agency that helps people take back control of their lives. Our partnerships constituents and supporters provide essential services and economic opportunities to people who have lost everything due to conflict and disaster. ARC has extensive experience in disaster relief, including tsunamis, earthquakes and floods. Each year, the we work with nearly 2.5 million people in Africa and Asia. Visit www.ARCrelief.org.