January 13, 2010 Wilmington, DE- The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation.

“Initial reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with continuing aftershocks,” says Tracy Reines, director of International Disaster Response for the American Red Cross. “As with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services, and emotional support.”

The American Red Cross has made available all of the relief supplies from its warehouse in Panama which will provide basic needs for approximately 5,000 families. In addition, the Red Cross is deploying a disaster management specialist to Haiti and has additional disaster specialists on standby, if needed.

The American Red Cross has an extensive partnership with the Haitian Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the earthquake.

You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund (IRF), which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013, or made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.