Sen. Bill Frist's Offers Key Insight & Hope In His Blog From Haiti

January 21, 2010
Baptist Mission Hospital

Fermathe, Haiti

Friends,

As I write from an overwhelmed hospital 17 miles southeast of Port au Prince, I share with you one thought.

One of the key advantages we provide through our global health organization, Hope Through Healing Hands, is that I am able within days of a natural disaster-- because of my own involvement as a practicing doctor-- to personally assess through real-life experiences where monies can be most wisely be spent for an immediate impact in saving lives.

It is as simple as that.

Most donors want assurances that the money they give has a demonstrable and immediate impact as soon as possible, and that is what I can provide by operating on the ground. Money is rapidly spent only on those projects that I am absolutely certain will make a difference in saving lives. I was able to do this by traveling three days after Katrina hit to provide hands-on medical work to New Orleans and to Sri Lanka seven days after the tsunami. This is why giving through Hope Through Healing Hands is a solid, life-saving investment.

This is demonstrated by my work this week in Haiti. While there, I visited three hospitals (of the 5 that are there) and chose one in great need, the Baptist Haiti Mission Hospital, as the primary recipient for a grant provided by the hundreds of donors over the past few days. The money given was spent on medical supplies that immediately went to save lives of people in need. (See Beneficiaries of Haiti Fund to date here.)

Thank you to all who have given. I would ask you to consider forwarding this email to 10 friends and family who might also consider a gift to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund today. Please share our Haiti Blog this week.

Perhaps the most powerful story shared this week was the story of a young woman, Rouite Tisma, whom I met at the hospital. She had been trapped under six feet of rubble for three days. Though injured, she and her family are so happy she is alive.

We appreciate any support you might be able to give. There are continued needs there, especially medical equipment and supplies, including orthopedic equipment.

Sincerely,

Bill Frist, M.D.



http://www.hopethroughhealinghands.org