On Jan. 12, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Southern Haiti, causing more than 150,000 deaths and the destruction of much of the infrastructure in Haiti’s capitol, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. In addition to the destroyed presidential palace and the headquarters for the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti, two of the three hospitals in the area collapsed, leaving injured and dying victims without access to care.    

The AOA and DOCARE International are now accepting financial contributions from the osteopathic family to help with relief efforts in Haiti.  Donations will be routed to internationally recognized aid organizations in which DOs are participating.  DOs who would like to support osteopathic relief efforts can send their contributions to DOCARE:

DOCARE International
c/o Michael Mallie, Executive Director
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611

The AOA is also collaborating with the American Medical Association's (AMA) journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness to co-sponsor a webinar for medical responders in Haiti. DOs are invited to view the webinar, which will be updated during the coming weeks (DOs will be required to register before viewing). AOA publications have established an affiliate partnership with the journal, which led to the AOA's invitation to co-sponsor the webinar. Currently, two DOs serve on the journal's editorial advisory board: Italo Subbarao, DO, MBA, and Frederick C. Nucifora Jr, DO, PhD. Disaster Medicine is also developing a preliminary roster of physicians who would like to volunteer to respond to the Haiti disaster.

In addition, DOs are encouraged to contribute to relief efforts by donating to the international fund of the Red Cross. Contribute online to the Red Cross, or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting HAITI to 90999. 

While monetary donations are preferred, commodity contributions and volunteer support can also be of value.  If you would like to volunteer your medical skills as an osteopathic physician or medical student, you can register your skills and experience at the Center for International Disaster Information’s registration page.

For more information about the disaster, view USAID’s information sheets:
USAID’s Haiti Earthquake Fact Sheet #1 (pdf, 35kb)
USAID’s Haiti Earthquake Map #1 (pdf, 826kb)

For more ways to help, visit the following Web sites:

• USAID is an independent federal government agency that provides international assistance, including disaster relief.
• Center for International Disaster Information provides information and guidance in support of international disaster donations.
• InterAction is the largest coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations focused on the world's poor and most vulnerable people.