Haiti might see 19 storms, including four hurricanes, this hurricane season. How can you help?

Cyclones, hurricanes and tropical storms, heavy rain, and flooding are only a few of the natural calamities that have ravaged Haiti throughout its history, as well as political turmoil. From the middle of June through the end of November, Haiti experiences its annual hurricane season. Authorities have warned that 19 tropical storms, including four hurricanes, are predicted to threaten Haiti this hurricane season and urged citizens to be attentive and ready to evacuate if necessary (Haitian Times).

How can you, the diaspora and foreigners, be proactive this year and in the years to come. Start collaborating with organizations right away; it’s that simple.

What can your organization do?

• Research the market, Are there local NGOs doing what you are doing? Can you collaborate with them?
• Are there local stores to purchase the materials you need? 
• Is there a NEED for your organization?

What actions can the government take?

• Create a plan of action based on the severity of the impact.
• Designate competent institutions as primary responders.

Is there anything the global community can do?

The use of the hashtag #PrayforHaiti does not benefit the country. Take a second to reevaluate sending any supplies. Most supplies can be obtained from local businesses and distributed to local nonprofit organizations. 

Here is a list of organizations you can support or collaborate with:

Civil Protection, the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), is a decentralized service of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Authorities. It is governed by articles 14 to 20 of the law governing the establishment, organization, and operation of the National Disaster Risk Management System, as well as this order. You can learn more about them by visiting their website.

Ayiti Air Anbilans, in partnership with HERO, is an emergency medical helicopter service that carries people requiring immediate medical attention. AAA transports patients throughout Haiti to the facilities best able to care for them. With highly skilled physicians and the most advanced medical technology, supplies, and pharmaceuticals, AAA ensures that patients in extreme medical situations have the best chance of survival. You can learn more about them by visiting their website, or you can support Ayiti Air Anbilans’ work by donating to paypal.me/HAADonations.

Build Health International (BHI) exists to serve the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable by designing and building high-quality health infrastructure in low-resource settings. BHI constructed over 55 projects in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake, which are still standing strong. To support their work, visit their website. You can include notes on your donation to direct funding to local organizations working on the ground, for example, clinics in Pestel and Jérémie that do not have online donation compatibilities. With your note, funding can be allocated to local organizations. 

Health Equity International-St. Boniface Hospital is committed to delivering vital health care services to the most vulnerable residents of southern Haiti. They are devoted to constructing a comprehensive, efficient, resilient health care system that provides quality care. They believe that providing access to life-saving and life-altering health care is essential to developing robust and productive communities. You can learn more about them by visiting their website. 

Partners In Health has collaborated with communities and governments for almost three decades to provide the benefits of modern medicine to the world’s underprivileged. They serve some of the neediest populations in the world, located in the most inaccessible regions, where even the most fundamental health care is scarce. Food, clean water, and roads are frequently in short supply. PIH currently supports public health systems in ten countries across the globe, treating patients, constructing infrastructure, training health care providers, and establishing successful models for care delivery in rural and remote areas. They support initiatives in the Navajo Nation, Haiti, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Lesotho, Malawi, Peru, Russia, and Mexico. They believe that healthcare is a human right and that no one should die from a treatable or avoidable disease or condition. To learn more about them and support their work, visit their website. 

Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, based in Haiti’s Lower Artibonite Valley, the 200-bed Hôpital Albert Schweitzer is the only 24/7 full-service hospital serving a population roughly the size of Anaheim, California — more than 350,000 people. HAS has an extensive community health department, including four community health centers and 49 community health workers. This infrastructure enables HAS to bring quality primary health care closer to those living in remote and often mountainous areas, who would otherwise not be able to access needed services. Its mission is to collaborate with the people of the Artibonite area as they strive to improve their health and quality of life. To learn more about them and support their work, visit their website.

The Haitian Global Health Alliance, in support of GHESKIO, is a 501(c)3 recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization. GHESKIO’s three-part mission includes clinical service, training, and research in HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Founded in 1982 and directed by HIV pioneers and experts, many recognize it as the world’s first institution dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS. To learn more about them and support their work, visit their website. 

Here is a list of water companies on the ground you can work with:

Source: 2016 Hurricane Matthew Archive-Eclat

Is it appropriate to donate supplies to the people of Haiti?

Many of you will want to help Haiti by sending necessary supplies. Please refrain from shipping stuff like used clothing. Medical supplies that cannot be acquired locally should be high on your list of priorities. Make sure you’re working with an organization you TRUST. There is a strong likelihood that you will not be able to get your things freed from customs if you send them; thus, we ask that you avoid doing so, instead buy local.

Remember to perform your due diligence, check out our nonprofit directory, and remember to be a part of the solution. 

If you need further assistance, you can email us at info@centrengo.org to directly connect you to local organizations (Sunrise Airways, MSC Plus du Nord, Maison Handal, AAA).