On Tuesday, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Footage is pouring in of homes collapsing, Haitians carrying injured family members, and hospitals being overrun in what was already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. It is an absolutely devastating tragedy, and I am aware that we have several employees who have lost loved ones or have loved ones who are missing.
In light of this event, Physicians Regional Healthcare System has partnered with Hope for Haiti relief organization. This Naples-based, non-profit charity is working tirelessly to send lifesaving food and supplies to these people. For the next week, we decided to discontinue running our television commercials, and instead, use our air time appealing to the community for help on behalf of Hope for Haiti. Our new spot begins airing immediately on broadcast and cable stations, and can be viewed on our Web site (www.PhysiciansRegional.com) and on the TV screens located at both Physicians Regional hospital campuses.
Hope for Haiti is organizing airlifts to take medicines and supplies to Haiti as soon as the airport in Haiti is operational. We encourage everyone to consider making a tax-deductible donation to Hope for Haiti by visiting our Web site and clicking on the Make a Donation link. You may also call Hope for Haiti directly at 239-434-7183. There is no monetary donation too small, and 100 percent of your donation goes toward disaster relief.
Hope for Haiti is also asking for medical supplies, such as aspirin, basic first aid supplies, chlorine tablets, sutures, bandages, band aids and antibiotics. For additional information on needed supplies, you may visit the Hope for Haiti Web site at www.HopeforHaiti.com.
We live in the most wonderful and generous country in the world, and these desperate, impoverished people need our help. Let’s keep them in our prayers, and do our part to lend assistance in any way we can.
Sincerely,
Joe D. Pinion
Chief Executive Officer
Physicians Regional Healthcare System