Volunteers go to Haiti

Mercy Ships medical volunteers are on their way to Port-au-Prince where thousands of people are still buried among the rubble following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti last Tuesday.

The first of a number of Mercy Ships teams left the United States yesterday to join the international relief effort, bringing with them vital medical equipment.

The CEO of Mercy Ships International, Sam Smith and his staff are in the process of mobilising dozens of Mercy Teams who specialise in immediate disaster relief. Those doctors, nurses, construction workers will come from around the world to deal with both medical and non-medical issues.

Mercy Ships mobilised its disaster relief team and were in contact with partners on the ground in Haiti within two hours after the earthquake occurred to address both medical and non-medical relief.

Each year more than 450 volunteers from over 40 nations give up their time to selflessly help improve and save the lives of others, onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity hospital ship.  Mercy Ships trained personnel are also ready to react in natural disasters and have been involved in the Indian Ocean tsunami and hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike.

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said, “Mercy Ships has extensive experience in providing disaster relief.    Our Assessment Team is already on the ground in Haiti, working with our partners to determine the volunteer need and location for support.   Medical equipment and volunteers are on-route today and will strengthen the support in Haiti. There is an immediate need for funding and Mercy Ships will continue for many months and even years to support Haiti as it recovers.”

The biggest need is financial support.  Anyone interested in supporting the Mercy Ships disaster relief effort is encouraged make a donation here.  For more info about volunteering visit our US website