February 5, 2010 

Dear MRC Leaders, Volunteers and Colleagues,

It has been a few days since I last provided an update regarding the situation in Haiti. Currently, there are still no plans for a Federal deployment of MRC members. Some of our colleagues from the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service responded to this disaster at the request of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The initial teams have completed their two week rotations and are returning home.    

The immediate and long-term health and medical needs of Haiti are being assessed by the United Nations and the Pan American Health Organization, in close coordination with the Haitian government. USAID has the lead for the U.S. Government, and is responsible for any decisions regarding the deployment of volunteers. It is anticipated that non-governmental organizations, and their cadres of volunteers, will play a major role in the recovery efforts in Haiti. 

We will continue to monitor the situation, work collaboratively with our HHS and other Federal government partners, and notify you of any changes. As always, we encourage you to work locally to support efforts in your communities.

            Rob

CAPT Rob Tosatto
Director, Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps

(301) 443-2528
robert.tosatto@hhs.gov
www.medicalreservecorps.gov