Date: February 26, 2010

Mid- and Long-Term Relief

Tzu Chi relief team in Haiti is assessing long-term reconstruction plans for the quake survivors; the team continues to look for suitable pieces of land for reconstruction. As part of its mid-term relief effort, Tzu Chi has signed an MOA with the City of Tabarre to build public restrooms to improve the sanitary conditions in the area. Tzu Chi has distributed tarps and eco-friendly blankets to approximately 4,550 households this week to help prepare for the upcoming raining season. Tzu Chi is also shipping in approximately 5,000 tents to distribute to the survivors as part of its mid-term relief effort.

Immediate Relief

Tzu Chi’s immediate relief operation in Haiti is currently focusing on the following areas: 1) Relief goods distribution; 2) Medical and emotional assistance; 3) Relief work program (food for work program). Tzu Chi’s immediate relief operation is primary focused in Tabarre, Delmar and Leogane. Along with the local Tzu Chi volunteers in Haiti, teams of Tzu Chi volunteers and medical personnel from the Americas arrive in Haiti on a weekly basis, providing continuous help in Haiti. Tzu Chi relief team provides medical care and goods directly to the hands of the survivors with respect, a bow and a smile. Tzu Chi provides the relief work program participants work opportunities and food for their family as well as hope.

After the earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, Tzu Chi immediately established a Haiti relief coordination center at the Tzu Chi USA headquarters (San Dimas, CA), and subsequently, a relief coordination center in Tzu Chi’s Dominican Republic office as well as in Haiti. In addition, Tzu Chi initiated a global fundraising campaign, with 35 countries participating in the campaign. The first shipment of goods was immediately prepared by TIHAA (Tzu Chi International Humanitarian Aid Association).  *Notes on special goods:  Instant rice is ready to be served after 40-50 minutes in room temperature water or 20 minutes in hot water. Instant corn powder can be served after pouring in room temperature water.  Each eco-friendly fleece blanket is made from 70 recycled PET bottles.

Below are summary statistics on Tzu Chi’s immediate relief operation in Haiti.

Relief Goods Distribution (as of February 26)

Relief Work Program – Food for Work (as of February 26)

Medical Services (as of February 26)

Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) continues to provide medical care to the quake survivors. As of February 26, Tzu Chi has provided medical services, such as general medicine, oriental medicine, dental services and chiropractic care, to approximately 5,550 patients. Tzu Chi’s volunteer doctors discovered that most patients suffer from skin conditions (due to poor water sanitation), respiratory conditions, communicable diseases, dehydration and malnutrition.