HHS medical response teams help victims of Haiti earthquake providing medical care

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) medical response teams are providing medical care in Haiti at several locations, including an orphanage where they are treating more than 300 patients, most with acute medical problems.

“Our thanks go to all of those contributing to the rescue and relief efforts in Haiti”

Today, members of HHS’s Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and its International Medical Surgical Response Team will see patients at a few locations, including the GHESKIO clinic in Port-au-Prince and the Haitian Coast Guard base in Killick, Haiti.

“With more medical teams in place, we will be able to significantly increase the numbers of people getting medical attention,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

There are 265 HHS medical personnel are now in Haiti, assisting with emergency medical care.

The Administration for Children and Families' Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) continues to receive, repatriate, and provide services to American citizens being flown to U.S. military bases.

Nearly 3,000 Americans returning from Haiti have been assisted so far. In addition to getting medical attention for travelers, ORR also assists them with food, short-term lodging, transportation, and arranging onward flights in the United States.

“Our thanks go to all of those contributing to the rescue and relief efforts in Haiti,” said Secretary Sebelius. “We can be tremendously proud of the work Americans are doing and will continue to do on the ground.”