To Haiti via Dallas

Looking for lessons in Haiti's epic tragedy (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35627157)

"Amid the misery, experts already are looking for lessons from the Haiti catastrophe ... six days after the quake, AID officials complained U.S. Air Force controllers at Port-au-Prince airport favored U.S. military flights over inbound relief supplies."

Flying out tonight

News: Some towns in Haiti are flooded by the rains, killing more.
We will be arriving as the rainy season begins.

And the moral support keeps coming in: we may need it during uncomfortable times.

Watch for a new Haiti support group in Austin: Film & Music Relief .-way to go Annie... and those medical supplies we collected at Antone's are being put to good use in Haiti, I understand.

Dr Toussaint packing supplies for Haiti

Note This: There aren't many Haiti travel books . Note This: Cell phone dictionary works for french words also . . . But émoticons are the same.

neige is french/creole for snow

Slight change of plans: We are now connected to
DorsainvilFoundation.org . Check out their website and their
interesting origin: a Haitian-American doctor honoring his parents
eight years ago. We are thankful for all our friends and families who
show sincere support of going to Haiti. Seton has allowed us to get
many needed meds at a incredible deal. Sandy's support has allowed
extra luggage to be taken on the trip, packed with medical supplies!
Other pharmacists and volunteer health care people have come with
needed supplies that wold have been left out otherwise.

Haiti in the news today:
-Government there changed plans from building camps (large land owners
objected) to requiring people to leave their camp, return home (live
inside their home or camp outside) or move in with relatives,
especially before the rainy season which starts mid march.
-Government there is imposing a TAX ON DONATED GOODS, entering the
country! Big delays now, including medical supplies.
- Risk of a quake of over 5 (somewhat damaging) is 95% within one
year ; for a 6 its 25%; for another 7 it's 10%
The higher risk is the next three months (25% chance of a 6)

From A.Russo:I will be in Haiti,Mar1-7.-on AmerAir. -going w/ Dr Roehm & Dr Toussaint (a Haitian-Amer,whose family will host us).my blog: anthonyrussomd. blogspot.com ; my skype: haitimedrelief .Cell will be off to avoid $$- even unanswered or voice mail! But text is cheap.

Feb 23rd Trip Preparation Update

Getting a skype account, user name is: HaitiMedRelief
Got a medication needs list from a cardiologist in Port au Prince; busy colllecting meds and trying to fit them into the suitcases!

DSC01120

Making contacts with specialists who could be part of online/ text support to docs in Haiti .

Justin Jefferson helping me pack meds fo

Justin Jefferson helping me pack meds for Haiti

Cat wants to go too?

Cat wants to go too?

Dr Russo in Galveston

Dr Russo in Galveston

Laptop Computer on its way to Haiti. Thanks Discount Electronics of Austin,Texas

Trip to Haiti

Preparing for the trip to Haiti for medical relief. Thanks to Discount Electronics for their great support. Will blog more ...

from a guy nathan on lonelyplanet blog: Haiti - just returnedI just returned from a month in Haiti. Here is the short list of key points.1. Travel overland from Santo Domingo, via Terra Bus or Caribe Tours, is no problem. Just show up at the station an hour prior to the departure and off you go. Caribe Tours has three large Grayhound-like buses going each direction every day. Cost is $69 each way.2. Many hotels were destroyed (e.g. The Montana), but many others are still functioning. The Kinam in Petionville is for the most part unchanged since before the earthquake except that is it full of journalists. Make a reservation before you arrive. The Olaffson was damaged and I consider their "standard" rooms unsafe, but they are still renting them out for $100/night. No reservation... The standard rooms have no running water ... The nicer rooms/cottages have running water and electr. and AC most of the time; Wireless is up -ut slow. restaurant has same menu... being in the "red zone" hurts their business. Food is readily available on the streets, but few restaurants are open. The city is no more dangerous that it was before the earthquake, but this might change as the rains start.. Prices are going up of course. A translator/guide will cost you $80-100/day. A driver/car for the day will be closer to $125-150. A taxi from the airport to the Olaffson (most of the way across PAP) will run you about $30-40. (motorcycle taxis $5 for the airport to Olaffson run. Shampoo, basics available on the streets, but not paper,pens,books, The city smells bad.(bodies/ garbage ) people are wear surgical masks. North of the city/Segiun areas, things are still good. The camps are everywhere. Don't bother trying to go to the embassy for anything short of an emergency. Register online. Commercial flights restarting-backlog couple weeks. Cell phone coverage is better than the US. ATT and Sprint are waiving all call and data fees through the end of February from Haiti. -Nathanlake