For Immediate Release

County Legislators To Extend Expressions of

Sorrow and Support to the Nation of Haiti

New City, NY (January 15, 2010) – Rockland County Legislators Joseph Meyers and Jacques Michel will introduce a resolution at the January 19^th meeting of the Legislature to express deep regret regarding the devastation and suffering caused by the January 12^th earthquake to the nation of Haiti.  The resolution will also communicate support for the rapid and coordinated rescue and relief efforts mobilized by the United States government, state governments and municipalities and rescue and relief organizations throughout the country.

“I urge all Rocklanders who are able to give assistance in the form of goods or funds, to do so,” said Legislator Meyers, “Considering the level of devastation in Haiti, we need as many Rocklanders as possible to join in supporting the rescue and recovery effort.”

Legislator Jacques Michel, who represents a large majority of the county’s Haitian-American population within his Legislative District 13, said, “Given the critical nature of this tragedy, anything the public can do to ease the suffering of the Haitian people would be appreciated by all Haitian people, worldwide.”

The resolution also advises Rocklanders to go to www.whitehouse.gov for information on how to contribute.  One specific immediate way to contribute recommended by the United States Department of State is to text the word “Haiti” to 90999 on your cell phone and $10 will be donated to the Red Cross relief effort in Haiti and be added to the user’s cell phone bill.

Based on an FBI warning, Meyers and Michel caution residents to be aware of and wary of internet and telephone scammers soliciting funds for the relief effort.  They recommend that individuals donate funds to well-known organizations with established track records of providing humanitarian support.   Rocklanders can visit the American Institute of Philanthropy website www.charitywatch.org which has posted a “giving alert” on Haitian relief efforts and lists grades for various groups involved in the relief effort.   

Harriet Cornell, Chairwoman of the Legislature, said that “the County of Rockland has a crisis hotline to assist residents who themselves need counseling as a result of the fear and concern they are experiencing for loved ones in Haiti.  Creole-speaking counselors are available. The telephone number is 364-2216.”

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