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HAITI RELIEF RESOURCES

Do you need help locating family members in Haiti?
The State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for individuals seeking information about family members living in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747. Press zero (0) to speak to a customer service representative. The White House is also directing people to www.whitehouse.gov for general information about the earthquake and relief efforts in Haiti.


Are you looking for a way to help?
The immediate need is for money that can be used by an established relief organization to best aid victims of the devastating earthquake. • Visit the International Red Cross website: http://www.redcross.org/ "or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

SEIU is home to a large Haitian population with family members directly impacted by this disaster, and we're going to do everything we can to ease suffering and help the survivors get past this tragedy. Our union is developing a relief initiative, Help Haiti, to direct donations from our members, our locals and the general public to effective respite and aid organizations, once a needs assessment has been completed. At the same time, SEIU Healthcare members--nurses, personal care assistants, doctors--are mobilizing to determine the types of direct support needed by the people of Haiti, as well as recruiting healthcare workers for possible deployment once more information is known.

Do you need additional assistance?

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, along with local elected officials, SEIU Local 1199, area hospitals and health centers, city departments, and community organizations will open a Referral and Support Center at the SEIU Local 1199 Bayside Office Center located at 150 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester (next to the JFK redline station). The Center will operate from 9 AM until 9 PM, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and will offer phone lines and computer access to help in locating family and friends in Haiti. Translators will be available along with counseling support and assistance linking to needed services.

Tips for taking care of yourself and your family during these difficult times

● Support each other. Parents and caregivers should take time to talk together and find ways to meet each other's needs. ● Monitor adult conversations. Be aware of what adults are saying about the earthquake or the damage. Children listen to adults' conversations and may misinterpret what they hear, becoming unnecessarily frightened.
● Limit media exposure. Protect your child from too many images and descriptions of the earthquake, including those on television, on the Internet, on radio, and in the newspaper.
● Reassure children that they are safe.
● Take care of yourself physically. Eat healthily, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and get proper medical care.