In spite of these differences, to date, the American Red Cross has spent or committed more than $67 million to meet the most urgent needs of earthquake survivors. This includes a recent commitment of $30 million to the UN World Food Programme to support their effort to feed 1 million people in Haiti for a month. Red Cross relief supplies continue to arrive, although significant bottlenecks remain that have held up relief. Family-sized tents with tarps, ropes, and construction tools are being distributed with relief partners like the International Organization for Migration (IOM). 

The Red Cross is also distributing hygiene kits, water purification tablets and blankets. Creole-speaking volunteers are on board the hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, to serve as interpreters for Haitian patients receiving medical care from the U.S. military. At the request of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Red Cross has also shipped blood and blood products into Haiti and is coordinating future PAHO orders for Haiti with other agencies that collect blood donations in the United States.

Prior to the quake, the American Red Cross was on the ground in Haiti, running several programs in conjunction with the Haitian National Red Cross Society. One program includes efforts to reduce deaths attributed to malaria and malnutrition; distribute mosquito netting; and provide nutrition, food preparation and breast-feeding trainings at the household level. Another program trained national society employees and volunteers on how to prepare for and respond to disasters. A third program worked to provide HIV prevention messaging and skills to young people between the ages of 10 and 24.

Because of the generosity of donors, people in Haiti will receive more than immediate relief; they will receive resources, support and training from the Red Cross that will help them recover and rebuild for years to come.