The Haiti Earthquake and Social Workers

After a tragedy like the earthquake in Haiti, social workers feel a particular pull to help in some way.  Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.  In order to encourage the most effective response, NASW highly recommends taking a look at the information below.

Gender and Emergency Response in Haiti

Information Regarding Child Protection and Adoption in Haiti

NASW Press Release Jan 14, 2009

NASW Foundation’s Social Work Disaster Assistance Fund

Important standards for psychosocial and mental health response in emergencies
We have compiled a set of resources on psychosocial and mental health responses in emergencies, and reflect materials developed and refined over the past decade by an interdisciplinary group of professionals in the field of humanitarian response.  These resources were developed to apply to tragedies like the Haiti earthquake. 

Resources for family members coping with this disaster
NASW members, colleagues and friends have been personally affected by the disaster in Haiti.  NASW offers some tips and tools to help cope.

Resources for social workers who want to help
NASW has heard from many social workers who would like to go to Haiti and help.  Currently, the United Nations and USAID are coordinating U.S.-based international non-profit organizations that were already on the ground and working in Haiti prior to the disaster.  The most helpful response at this time is to donate money to these organizations.  They have solid knowledge of the context, the culture, and the disaster response standards.   Much assistance to Haiti will be needed as the country recovers from this crisis over the coming months and years.   At later stages of the response, as the situation stabilizes, opportunities may be more widely available and needed.   NASW will continue to keep members updated on ways that social workers can be involved as the situation evolves.