Handicap International: Haiti

Organization: 
Operating in this crisis location since: 
Tue, 2008-01-01
Stated mission at this site: 
Handicap International will provide care to those injured by the earthquake and its aftershocks, including support to hospitals for essential post-surgery and rehabilitation care, as well as emergency shelter, emergency basic needs and food distribution for at least 5,000 people initially. An emergency response team comprised of at least 10 individuals, both physical therapists and logisticians will depart for Haiti imminently and will coordinate the distribution of approximately one ton of equipment and emergency supplies.

Since 2008

Handicap International's health team in Haiti, which has been treating massive numbers of injuries, estimates there are now more than 2,000 amputees because of injuries sustained in the earthquake, up from Monday's estimate of 1,000. While continuing to provide emergency assistance, Handicap International is also planning long-term action to treat the wounded and support their recovery.

Handicap International has extensive expertise in providing emergency response to earthquakes and other natural disasters, including the 2008 hurricanes in Haiti and the earthquake in China. The international organization works to bring about lasting change in the living conditions of people in disabling situations in more than 60 postconflict or low-income countries around the world. Handicap International's eight national associations, based in Europe, Canada and the United States, work together to provide human and financial resources, manage projects and raise awareness of the organization's work.

Handicap International is recruiting 15 physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) to provide direct care for people injured and disabled in Haiti's devastating earthquake. Therapists are needed in hospital settings to help people recover from their injuries, avoid secondary complications and prevent or mitigate long-term disability. Some therapists will provide community-based services in displaced persons camps. Positions will become available February 1, 2010, and contracts will range from one to eight months. Nonmanagerial positions require a commitment of at least six weeks. Project managers need to commit to at least six months in Haiti.

Budget for this Crisis: 
217657
# Staff at Crisis Location: 
200
# Partner Organizations: 
0
# Indigenous Staff: 
0
# Home Country Staff: 
0
# Foreign Staff: 
200
Pass money to partner orgs: 
No
Allows Donation Earmarking: 
No
Transparent Earmarking: 
No