Help for Haiti: Local clergy weighs in

Many people have been asking the clergy in Rockville Centre how best to respond to the devastation and need in Haiti after the recent earthquake. Many have given to their religious relief programs or to a charity with which they are familiar. We encourage all to keep those organizations in mind for continuing their work in Haiti. However, if you are not sure where to send your contributions in what is admittedly a very complicated and unsure situation, we encourage you to consider a contribution to Partners in Health.

Partners in Health and has been working on the ground in Haiti for over 20 years. PIH has 11 sites — both hospitals and health centers — outside of Port-au-Prince that were operational before the quake and continue to treat patients around the clock. One of its hospitals is in the Episcopal Church complex; although it operates independently, the first hand knowledge of church members led us to examine this organization.

  Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, ranks charities based on efficiency and effectiveness. PIH has the lowest administrative and fundraising costs of any organization listed when we searched for Haiti relief.  Ninety five cents of every dollar will go directly to helping the people of Haiti. PIH has consistently excellent rating backs to 2005, its oldest rating listed.

  You can make a credit card donation directly through its Web site, www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti or you can mail a check to: Partners In Health, P.O. Box 845578, Boston, MA 02284 -5578.

  PIH has a presence in nine countries, including the United States. On the PIH Web site www.pih.org/ they describe five fundamental principles in detail: 1- Access to primary health care; 2 - Free health care and education for poor people; 3 - Community partnerships;  4 - Addressing basic social and economic needs; 5 - Serving the poor through the public sector. 

  The work of PIH has three goals: to care for its patients, to alleviate the root causes of disease in its communities, and to share lessons learned around the world.  Through long-term partnerships with sister organizations, PIH works to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need and works to alleviate the crushing economic and social burdens of poverty that exacerbate disease.

  Whether you join this effort or give to other reputable organizations, we urge you to give now.

The Rockville Centre Clergy Association

Rabbi Marc Gruber - Central Synagogue of Nassau County

The Rev. Jeffrey Laustsen - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

The Rev. Dick  Johns - St. Mark’s United Methodist Church

Rabbi Dr. Barry Dov Schwartz - Temple B’nai Sholom

The Rev. Thomas Pellaton - The Episcopal Church of the Ascension

The Rev. Dr. Robert Gunn - United Church of Rockville

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