PSI and the Red Cross Bring Clean Water Solutions To Haiti

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Jan 28, 2010, 06:00 ET

Purification packets will provide 11 Million Liters of Safe Drinking Water to Haitians this Week

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PSI (Population Services International) is rushing a mass delivery of water purification treatments to Haiti that will provide survivors of the earthquake with more than 11 million liters of safe drinking water. A boat loaded with 1.1 million PUR™ Purifier of Water, sachets left PSI's Panama warehouse and will arrive in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince this weekend. Once there, the Red Cross will distribute the sachets to thousands of families in need.

"As we access water in Haiti, what is often needed most is a way to purify water so people can drink it," says David Meltzer, senior vice president of international services for the American Red Cross. "Thanks to PSI's support, Red Cross volunteers will now be able to provide more than a million purification packets to give earthquake survivors clean drinking water."

PSI is a leading global health organization that has been working in Haiti for more than 20 years and had 100 staff on the ground when the earthquake struck. Its top priority now, beyond ensuring the safety and security of all staff members, is to work with partners to make certain there is a consistent supply of clean drinking water in Haiti. At the same time, PSI is also developing a longer-term response plan to help contain and control outbreaks of other diseases that often occur after disasters, such as diarrheal disease, other waterborne illnesses and malaria.

"PSI is grateful to be working with the Red Cross and P&G to help provide relief to the people of Haiti," said Karl Hofmann, President and CEO of PSI. "As the scope of this tragedy becomes clearer, we understand that only through partnerships like these will we be able to overcome the challenges ahead."

Developed by P&G, the PUR™ sachet is a powdered water clarification and disinfectant technology that comes in small, easy-to-use packets. Distributed throughout the developing world and in regions affected by disasters, P&G has been partnering with organizations such as PSI for years to ensure clean water is delivered to those who need it most.

"The need for clean drinking water in Haiti is immediate," said Dr. Greg Allgood, Director of P&G's Children's Safe Drinking Water Program. "P&G is grateful to have a committed partner in PSI."

About PSI

PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives. Learn more at www.psi.org.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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SOURCE Population Services International