Compassion in Emergencies (Friday Links)

I realize that Friday isn't until tomorrow, but some links are too urgent to wait:

As you probably know a massive earthquake recently struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The destruction and loss of life was catastrophic. The people are in dire need right now.

What you may not know is that Doctor D decided to become an MD while working in Haiti. As a college student young D volunteered at a hospital in Port-au-Prince. Even though Haitians are some of the poorest people on earth many of them brought me into their homes as a guest and treated me with a kindness I will never forget. Caring for ill Haitians made young D certain that the practice of medicine was the right life for him.

Now many of the homes, buildings, and hospitals in which D was once a guest lie in ruins. Thousands are dead and many survivors are in grave danger from disease and starvation. Doctor D considered going to Haiti to help, but they only currently want doctors and nurses with experience in disaster response.

But what we can all do is give. Many of us are blessed with jobs and resources that give us the ability to share with those in need. Those of us who chose medicine as a career usually did so because of our compassion for our fellow human beings.

Now is a time to put that compassion in action! These are two emergency aid organizations that Doctor D chose to use:

• The Red Cross -Usually the first on the ground with the most experience in responding to disasters.

• World Vision -Does wonderful work getting food, water, and medicine to people in desperate situations. Doctor D chose World Vision because he already sponsors several kids through that organization.
  

I'm sure there are other excellent organizations coming to the aid of Haiti. Give what you are able.

Thank you so much for caring.