by
Barbara Kram, Editor | March 02, 2010
Help is just a
text message away
The 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile Saturday has created a challenging and uneven health services crisis, according to the World Health Organization.
In the north of the ribbon-shaped country the health network is running normally and hospitals in the capital Santiago are functioning, despite some damage.
But in southern Chile, eight hospitals have either collapsed or suffered extensive damage. Four Chilean Air Force field hospitals are being built with a capacity of about 50 patients each.
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The nation needs additional temporary facilities and health personnel, WHO reports. The government is identifying areas that will require international aid (among other things, field hospitals and electric generators for hospitals).
Chile's Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Office of the Ministry of the Interior (Oficina Nacional de Emergencias del Ministerio del Interior / ONEMI) are very well organized and have significant experience in disaster preparedness, readiness and response. The Pan American Health Organization has daily meetings on the ground with the Ministry of Health and regular contact with ONEMI. PAHO/WHO is supporting the government of Chile by contacting Member States in the Americas to determine the availability of field hospitals and generators and coordinate their deployment.
How You Can Help
While relief efforts in Haiti continue, the text messaging campaign has raised an estimated $40 million for that country.
The major phone carriers have donated text services and there are several organizations responding to the urgent need in Chile with mobile-giving efforts. Some trusted examples, according to the Mobile Giving Foundation include the following:
Text the word "CHILE" to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of World Vision
Text the word "CHILE" to 52000 to donate $10
On behalf of the Salvation Army
Text the word "SAVE" to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of Save the Children Federation, Inc.
Text the word "CHILE" to 85944 to donate $10
On behalf of International Medical Corp.
If you are a DOTmed user or relief organization in Chile with any informational updates or photos, please send us an appraisal of the situation on the ground in your area by clicking the "Send us your Comments" link below.
