“It is not enough. We need to do more. But how?”  Everyday since the 7.0 quake struck the island nation of Haiti much of my time has been spent on phone call after phone call. Most calls begin with the same phrase-“It is not enough. We need to do more. But how?”

As CBF’s Short Term Engagement Manager, people turn to me for ways to respond. Disaster Response is a unique ministry to staff. Responders are the lifeblood of this ministry. However, unlike other short term engagement options, responders cannot just go as soon as there is a disaster. CBF is not a first response organization. Instead we minister after the dust settles, once a safe and stable platform for ministry has been established. The time between an actual event and wide scale responder deployment is a wait that no one does well. Safety and sustainability are key components to deciding the appropriate time for deployment.

Now is not the time to deploy responders. The US State Department is STRONGLY advising that ONLY governmental agencies and highly trained and experienced workers even CONSIDER going to Haiti at this time. So, what else can be done?

Making a Difference in Haiti

Financial contributions remain the most effective way to have the greatest impact on the hurting people of Haiti. You can give securely online at https://www.thefellowship.info/Give/Donate.aspx?fund=17015 or send your check to Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, P.O. Box 101699, Atlanta, GA 30392, indicating fund No. 17015 “Haiti Response.”

Because CBF’s field personnel in Haiti are trained medical professionals, the Fellowship’s response is building on that asset and is focusing right now on addressing the overwhelming medical needs. If you or your church would like to contribute to the James’ medical ministry by collecting much-needed supplies, please consult the following list.

All items should be mailed to:

CBF Haiti Supplies

 c/o North Stuart Baptist Church

1950 NW Federal Highway

P.O. Box 958

Stuart, FL  34995-0958.

Please ONLY send what is on the list, please do NOT mail items to the CBF Resource Center.

Medications

(These items can be purchased over the counter at any local drug store)

o     Aspirin

o     Children’s and adult multi-vitamins

o     Benadryl

o     Neosporin or triple antibiotic

o     HydroCortisone Ointment

o     Oral re-hydration salts

o     Cough medications

o     Acetamenophen (doesn’t have to be Tylenol )

o     Ibuprophen (generic)

Medical Supplies

(These items can be purchased over the counter at any local drug store)

o     Ace bandages

o     Alcohol pads

o     Band-aids

o     Betadine wipes and sticks

o     Drapes

o     Gauzes – any size

o     Gloves – all sizes, sterile/non-sterile

o     Gowns -surgical and patient (head and shoe covers, goggles, masks)

o     Pediatric supplies

o     Tape – all types

o     Thermometers

o     Other:

o     Antibiotics

o     Zantac

o     Prevacid

o     Hypertension medications

o     Type two-Diabetes medication

o     Blades – sterile only

o     Needles – butterfly, angio catheter

o     Compression stockings

o     Dressings – sterile and un-sterile (Coban, Tegaderm, Steri-Strip, Surgilast)

o     IV supplies – tubing in sterile packages only

o     Scalpels

o     Sponges – surgical only (includes X-ray detectable)

o     Surgical towels – cloth/paper

o     Sutures

o     Syringes

o     Tongue depressors

o     Cotton tipped applicators

Please continue to check back to The Fellowship Blog for updates on changing priorities and needs on the ground in Haiti.