The earthquake in Haiti: one way to help
Toward the end of this post, I mentioned Tracy Kidder’s book Mountains Beyond Mountains. In it, he describes the efforts made by the remarkable Dr. Paul Farmer to deliver quality health care to some of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged people. Dr. Farmer’s organization Partners in Health maintains a clinic in Haiti; the staff there are currently engaged in helping the victims of the earthquake that has devastated that island nation. To assist them, you can make a donation here.
Kidder’s book takes its name from the Haitian proverb, “Beyond mountains, there are mountains.” As you solve one problem, another one presents itself and must also be dealt with. At present, Haitians are dealing are dealing with a catastrophe almost beyond imagining. One hopes that the compassion and outreach of fellow citizens of the world will provide help and consolation.
Books to the Ceiling 
Meredith said,
January 14, 2010 at 12:55 am
Thank you for this link Roberta. Just today, I put one of the officers of the International Student Organization in charge of identifying a group to receive the thousands of dollars we will raise this year at our culture show at Long Reach. Dr. Farmer & Co. will receive a check this week, and will go on the list for big donations in April.
Roberta Rood said,
January 14, 2010 at 2:15 am
Meredith,
This is great news. thanks so much for sharing it!
Pauline Cohen said,
January 15, 2010 at 1:17 am
Thanks for helping me make a decision about where to send a contribution. I have a feeling that this clinic will use the donations carefully. I hope this doesn’t sound patronising. But I always worry about the very large organizations using up too much of their contributions in administrative costs.
Roberta Rood said,
January 15, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Pauline,
I share your concern, and that’s one of the reasons I favor Partners in Health. They have a tight focus, and they’ve had a benevolent presence in Haiti for quite some time now.
I personally would like to see Paul Farmer get the Nobel Peace Prize – or the prize for Medicine – or both.
Kathy D. said,
January 17, 2010 at 7:19 am
Hi Roberta,
I just heard of Partners in Health from an email friends in Boston sent out and then saw two representatives of this organization on Rachel Maddow’s show last night.
Although I have sent donations to a NYC foundation which is a fiscal sponsor for a Haitian women’s organization and also to Doctors Without Borders, I will make sure to send these folks a donation as well. Their website is very modest and looks like the group is serious and hard-working and very dedicated; it does not have a lot of bells and whistles and asks for help from medical workers who have experience in surgery and trauma.
What has happened to the Haitian people is a total catastrophe and needs the support of the world and with basic needs met–food, water, medical care and then reconstruction.
My hopes that they will receive the aid they need and that they will recover.
My heart goes out to all who’ve lost loved ones or been injured, been orphaned, or lost their homes.
Kathy D.