Text Haiti to 90999 Designed to Help Untold Numbers in Haiti

In the latest and probably most important example of how modern social and wireless technology can be used for very important and immediate assistance, the US State Department announced today that those wishing to provide assistance to earthquake ravaged Haiti can use their cell phone to text "Haiti" to 90999. Doing so will automatically donate $10 for Haitian rescue and recover efforts and will be billed on your bill.

In times of horrible tragedy, Americans join other like minded people in the world and want to help immediately. There is something about helping right away that appeals to people as the feelings of despair and sympathy can be strongest. There is no more immediate and convenient way to donate than through the use of a simple text message. For one of the first times in history on a national scale, this is possible.

The last decade was one that was largely described as an overall bad one. With terror attacks, natural disasters, a global financial meltdown, ongoing wars and increased concerns about global warming, the decade was one in which many might feel nothing was accomplished.

Just last week, the social network platform Facebook was used as a platform to raise awareness of breast cancer as millions of women shared their bra color in their status bar. With all due respect to that effort (and it is due much respect), the ability to text Haiti to 90999 is of far greater and more immediate importance as thousands in Haiti are feared dead or maimed after its catastrophic earthquake.

But as has usually been the case throughout history, technology today can provide a fantastic toll for more than simply playing video games or watching more television. Not long ago, most did not even have texting capabilities. And while charitable donations do not depend on technology, the fact that people can immediately donate money through texting Haiti to 90999 today is just one example of the positive developments from the decade. And, the fact that women can use Facebook for more than just fun, but as a means to also express an important issue and get immediate attention is another.

It will be fascinating to see how many people text Haiti to 90999 in the upcoming hours and days and to hear how much money is raised for the suffering people of Haiti as they try to dig out from one of the most devastating earthquakes in history.

In the meantime, this will hopefully inspire relief organizations and emergency operations everywhere to set up plans in advance to have immediate, technology enabled processes in place so that the next disaster or event can be met with similar, or perhaps even greater, success that the text Haiti to 90999 initiative will surely demonstrate.

Source: Prnewswire Staff, "AT&T Supports Text-Messaging Donations to Aid Haiti Quake Victims", foxbusinessnews.com