Mercy Ships Mobilizes To Aid in Haitian Disaster

The most powerful earthquake to strike Haiti in more than 200 years has left parts of the impoverished Caribbean nation in ruins, destroying buildings and burying people in the rubble. Mercy Ships is mobilizing to address both medical and non-medical relief.

Garden Valley, Texas (Vocus) January 14, 2010

The most powerful earthquake to strike Haiti in more than 200 years has left parts of the impoverished Caribbean nation in ruins, destroying buildings and burying people in the rubble. The earthquake measured 7.0 and buildings all across the capital of Port-au-Prince have collapsed, including the presidential palace and the headquarters of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

“We were in contact with our partners on the ground in Haiti within 2 hours after the earthquake had occurred. Our Disaster Relief Mercy Team’s response is mobilizing to address both medical and non-medical relief,” says Sam Smith, CEO of Mercy Ships. “We have trained personnel and the systems in place to mobilize in these situations.”

The biggest need right now is financial support. Anyone interested in supporting the Mercy Ships disaster relief effort is encouraged to visit our website, http://www.mercyships.org to make a donation.

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS: Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $ 748 million, impacting more than 2.16 million direct beneficiaries. More than 1200 crew worldwide, representing more than 40 nations are joined each year by 2000 short-term volunteers. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to become the face of love in action, bringing hope and healing to the poor. For more information click on http://www.mercyships.org.

Contact Information
Kathy Gohmert-U.S. Public Relations Liaison    
903.9397019
kathy(dot)gohmert(at)mercyships(dot)org

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