Arlington, VA – January 15, 2010 –International Relief & Development (IRD), a specialist in disaster response and emergency relief operations, has mobilized more than $5 million in aid during the last 72 hours to help the people of Haiti. An estimated 3.5 million individuals have been affected by Tuesday’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake, and the number of deaths is expected to be at least 100,000.

“I have been so moved by the generosity of our donors and people around the world,” said Jim Lanning, IRD Director of Acquisitions and Logistics. “Theses contributions can make such an incredible difference to survivors in the first 72 hours following an emergency.”

IRD is preparing to ship and distribute medical supplies, including essential hospital equipment; pharmaceuticals, such as anti-biotic and anti- diarrhea medicines; rehydration salts to benefit nearly 60,000 individuals; water purifiers; solar-powered lights; and basic humanitarian aid, such as hygiene kits, blankets, and shelter materials. Our partners in this effort include Inter-American Division Office of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), International Medical Equipment Collaborative, Medical Education Training And Development, Lutheran World Relief, SunNight Solar, Gleaning for the World, Water is Life, International Services Corporation, Chesapeake Bay Shipping Warehouse, Missionary Expediters, and America’s Relief Team.

IRD is also working with ADRA-Haiti, Haiti Lumiere, and Hope for a Healthier Humanity on the ground in Haiti to ensure those most in need have access to this life-saving assistance. Watch IRD Director of Acquisitions and Logistics Jim Lanning discuss what IRD is doing and how you can help.

The IRD Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund has raised more than $115,000 in the last 72 hours to help the people of Haiti. Cash contributions continue to be critical to the relief efforts in Haiti:

Those who wish to donate can also call 1-866-595-1100.

In advance of the 2009 hurricane season, IRD shipped more than $4 million dollars worth of oral rehydration salts and pharmaceuticals for people in Haiti.

More information on IRD and its relief activities can be found at www.ird.org/what/programs/relief.html.