The devastation in Haiti is unimaginable for so many of us, and as mentioned yesterday, we're doing everything we can to support ongoing relief efforts. That includes providing large quantities of GSK medicines, mainly oral and topical antibiotics, for the first airlifts into the island. Our Community Partnership colleagues tell us that in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, pallets of clearly packaged, relevant medicines are most needed. We will also be making a cash donation to support recovery and all employees' gifts to The Red Cross and other relief organizations will be matched by the company.
As with so many others here in the states, the people of GSK US also have very intimate, personal connections to the tragedy. Our colleague Maria, an assistant in our group, is very active in a church here in Philadelphia that has long supported a "sister" church community in Haiti. The following is her report:
After hearing the devastating news about Haiti this morning, I immediately contacted my church family to inquire about our Haitian church, Christian Haitian Outreach overseen by Mother Eleanor Workman (central office is in Miami). Unfortunately we have learned that the school and orphanage has been severely damaged, to what extent we don't know, but fortunately all the children are safe as well as Mother Workman. This Haitian Church is part of International Fellowship of Churches, which is part of Sanctuary Church of the Open Door in Philadelphia under the auspices of Bishop Audrey F. Bronson. Some 10 years ago, our Pastor had a vision to start churches internationally, though Mother Workman has been a part of our church family since the 70's.
We support Haiti by sending non-perishables, clothes and financial support on a monthly basis and have also built a water tower to service the orphanage and school. Mother Workman is now 90 years old but still returns to us every Mother's Day with at least 3 of her children to share the miracles that occur. She is a joy to converse with and she loves to teach and sing.
We are now mobilizing every resource we can to send help and prayers to Mother Workman and our church in Haiti.
Much work needs and will need to be done and international aid will be required for a long time to come. Basic amenities are still devasted, water, sanitation & hygiene are still problematical. Lack of access to clean water and supplies and sanitation poses a serious health hazard to more than a million displaced people living in settlements in Port-au-Princead and much work is need to to a create a long-term strategy to address Haiti’s urgent and continuing health crises.Well done to premium wp company GSK & others invoved in the ongoing relief effort.
I was touched and impressed to see teh work done by GSK in trying to assist the people of Haiti following their catastrophe. Big corporations usually get a bashing well on this occasion GSK deserve a pat on the back. Its now just over a year since the devasting earthquake which killed approximately 230,000 people, injuring some 300,000 more and destroying great swaths of the Port au Prince and surrounding areas.
In the aftermath, nearly 600,000 people left
Port-au-Prince to live with friends and relatives in unaffected rural areas. An estimated 250,000 of these displaced Haitians have since returned to the capital because they were unable to find work in rural areas.
Much work needs and will need to be done and international aid will be required for a long time to come. Basic amenities are still devasted, water, sanitation & hygiene are still problematical. Lack of access to clean water and supplies and sanitation poses a serious health hazard to more than a million displaced people living in settlements in Port-au-Princead and much work is need to to a create a long-term strategy to address Haiti’s urgent and continuing health crises.
Well done to GSK & others invoved in the ongoing relief effort.
By continuing to raise and promote public awareness this disease and many others that have taken the lives of many women and men, will eventually become a managed illness rather than a life long battle. I am always so impressed when I read some of the stories and such strength of character that my normal self control is replaced with humility and compassion. Go Girls!
Sarah from eurosport
As an update of this week, we are unfortunately seeing many landowners trying to evacuate many of the displaced residents forced into makeshift shanty towns and still out of the reach of help. There are some great NGO's here and there, even some attempts at affordable health insurance options, but these people need much more, as they have been cast aside for too long. Here is an article describing the current situation, here in October 2010:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/05/world/americas/05haiti.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=haiti&st=cse
Greetings Everyone! I just received an email from Mother Workman who says that despite the chaotic conditions, our physician is treating the wounded and the children are doing well. Still afraid to sleep indoors in the damaged building, they continue to sleep outside the compound. They have received monetary contributions sent to Haiti and express their gratitude. Hopefully medical/food and clothing shipments can be sent soon.
Unfortunately one of our church family received news that her brother was found dead in Haiti last week. Please keep her and the others who have lost family members in your prayers.
If you would like to send a contribution to Mother Workman, the website is www.christianhaitianoutreach.org
Thank you for your prayers and contributions.