Overview

First — Do No Harm. This principle has guided Catholic health care since the founding of our ministry and it must also guide our disaster response efforts — both domestically and internationally.

CHA is oftentimes called in times of disaster: by those in the midst of a disaster, asking for us to help coordinate potential response resources; and by those who would like information on how they might best provide assistances to impacted health care organizations and devastated communities. While CHA is a resource for members, our best ability in disaster response lies in sharing relevant, timely information by hosting networking calls on specific disaster areas, and also, in sharing links where information is provided to known, trusted resources — particularly as they relate to our Catholic ministry. A listing of such organizations and items are included on this page.

Please feel free to recommend and share any additional items by contacting Bruce Compton, CHA's senior director of Global Health, who is also available if you are looking to be connected with resources.


Upcoming Events

Watch for future event announcements

CHA & Catholic Relief Services Urgent Response for Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

On February 6, 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated large areas of central Turkey and northwest Syria. The death toll is in the thousands and continues to climb. It is the worst earthquake to strike the region this century.
Learn more on how to donate to the relief efforts
 

CRS-graphic

Families across East Africa are facing drought and hunger.

Famine could be on the horizon in Somalia — without your immediate support. Communities are experiencing extreme water shortages, and nearly 3 million people have been displaced. More than 1 million children under age 5 are facing acute malnutrition — without help now, nearly 330,000 are at risk of dying.

Hunger Crisis in East Africa


Resources


What's the Best Way to Help? Watch this video.


Most Effective Practices, Cautions & Considerations

There are many considerations for Catholic Health Care ministries when responding to disasters that are not in their own markets — in support of the mission to "Go and Do Likewise." Review Most Effective practices, cautions and considerations.

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Donating/Connecting to Catholic Agencies

Here are agencies Catholic health care ministries can contact to donate money or learn needs, as well as some specific links to useful resources on each of their websites.

Catholic Charities USA Catholic Relief Services

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops