NPR NEWS: January 30, 2010
The United States military has halted medical evacuation flights from Haiti to the U.S.
Military planes have been flying some wounded earthquake victims to be treated in U.S. hospitals, but that practice has stopped for now because states have raised questions about the cost of such care.
Doctors with the University of Miami's Global Institute for Community Health and Development say there are 100 critically ill patients at a temporary field hospital at Haiti's international airport who will die in the next couple of days if the flights don't resume.
Two men with tetanus have already died waiting. And doctors say 5-year-old Betina Joseph, also infected with tetanus, could die within 24 hours if she's not air-lifted to a U.S. hospital and put on a respirator.
"If we can't save her by getting her out right away, we won't save her," said Dr. David Pitcher, one of 34 surgeons staffing the field hospital set up with donations to the institute.
In an effort to resolve this critical Humanitarian stumbling block, we have put together a list of actions that could be taken by our core group of VolunTweeters and other concerned citizens:
1. Contact your Governor’s Office. You can easily access your State Governor’s information here and send him/her an e-mail. Here is a sample letter. According to Allie McNeil, who has done extensive research on the subject and has vast experience in Relief work, the Governor of a state can give a waiver for humanitarian purposes, overriding other state agencies' dictum.
2. Contact one big hospital in your state and ask if they would be willing to take in some critically ill patients from Haiti. Contact the PR Rep or the Admissions Director.
3. Contact your local Newspaper and TV News (the News Desk) letting them know of your efforts and asking for any information they may have on the subject.
These are three easy steps that can be effected within less than 10 minutes. If you wish to do more, please read Allie McNeal’s Blog.
Ever since the earthquake ravaged Haiti, I have seen such an incredible outpour of support. This Humanitarian stumbling block is incongruous with our amazing efforts to help Haiti. This is not who we are; there is no price to put on human life. Please help us resolve this!
Mirela
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