BROWARD COUNTY, FL – It didn’t take long for Broward Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief to heed the call for help for Haiti.   Shortly after the earthquake that devastated the small island country on Saturday, Dr. Sharief received calls from people asking for medical supplies. Dr. Sharief owns a medical staffing company and was able to quickly gather materials most needed to help the injured.

“Hospitals are overwhelmed in Haiti.  Some are badly damaged due to the earthquake. I own a medical staffing company and we have these supplies.  I responded quickly and donated gauze, tape, gloves, hand sanitizer, Lysol, bed pads, diapers, bandages, and food and delivered them on Sunday,” said Dr. Sharief.

The Commissioner said she’s also working to collect intravenous equipment and other physical support apparatus necessary to help those who are injured and often being treated in makeshift medical facilities. 

“This situation will only get worse as we learn more.  Haiti is also experiencing bad weather from a series of tropical storms. As public servants and elected officials, we must also continue to find ways to lead the way to assist with the recovery, rebuilding, and healing of all those in need,” said Sharief.  “I’m continuing this effort and encourage others to do the same.”

Unicef estimates that some 84,000 buildings across Haiti were destroyed, including schools, churches and hospitals.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
(954) 357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org