In light of the recent catastrophe in Haiti, Austin Samaritans has been prayerfully considering what, if any, our response might be. On the one hand, we have no established ties to programs in Haiti. On the other hand, our mission is to improve the human condition in God's larger world.
Those on the ground in Haiti are expressing an urgent need for medical supplies and equipment. Austin Samaritans has a warehouse of medical supplies and equipment ready for shipment. They have the need, we have the resources; it seems so simple. Of course, it is not that simple. Shipping items without a destination is folly and we had to find programs who expressed a need and people in Haiti willing to receive them. In other words, we needed to collaborate with churches, non-profits, and organizations of benevolence to ensure that our participation is indeed helping the intense suffering.
Austin Samaritans was alerted to a medical team comprised of individuals from Hill Country Bible Church, Austin Stone Community Church and other medical personnel headed for Haiti. Volunteers from Austin Samaritans, Austin Stone Community Church, Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary and St. David's Hospital among others assembled supplies to be loaded onto two private planes.
Because of the warehouse work performed by Austin Samaritan volunteers, Austin Samaritans had a reliable inventory of warehouse items available for this endeavor. The Haiti team's doctors reviewed our inventory, and indicated what items they would like to take with them.
Austin Samaritans was able to send more than four pallets of supplies from our warehouse. We sent many first-aid type items like gauze, sutures, splints. We also provided wheel chairs, crutches, and a walker. We sent many pieces of small equipment - an autoclave to sterilize instruments, cautery units to close wounds, defibrillator, EKG, lamps and instrument trays for an operating room and even an ultrasound machine, and much more.
Austin Samaritans Board Chair Elizabeth Erwin stands next to a portion of the medical supplies and equipment from Austin Samaritans given in support of the local medical team en route to Haiti.
The supplies and the medical team will connect with Mission of Hope in Haiti -- which will assist by setting up a clinic for the injured. Two members of the Haiti medical team, Lindsey Griffin RN and Jenny Husband Nurse Practitioner, have also participated in Austin Samaritans' work in Nicaragua.
We thank our benevolent Creator for preparing our hearts, opening doors, and offering us the opportunity to help alleviate the pain and suffering in Haiti. Praise goes to Him for it is through him that we can do anything at all. Your prayers for the people of Haiti and the safety of the team are appreciated.
