The team will comprise medical volunteers taking medical supplies.
Mercy Ships is working in partnership with organisations already on the ground in Haiti, and its Disaster Response Team is assessing and activating volunteers and assets to address specific medical and non-medical issues. One of the long-term partners is Humedica, which has response teams already in the country
It is expected the charity's response will continue for many months and possibly years to address all that has happened to the people of Haiti as a result of the devastating earthquake.
The focus will be on a providing sustainable relief in co-operation with local partners to ensure that the relief effort continues after volunteer teams have returned home.
Mercy Ships has extensive experience in providing disaster relief, including involvement in recent years following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike.
Because Mercy Ships is not structured to be a first responder agency, it does not normally engage in activities typically associated with search and rescue, or immediate response efforts.
The decision to mobilize teams will be an evolving process as needs of Mercy Ships partners on the ground are addresses. Some teams will be required immediately, while others may be asked to serve in the months ahead.
Mercy Ships says there is an immediate need for funding to support the current efforts in Haiti, and there is a need for volunteers. Teams will be formed in the future based on specific needs. Mercy Ships operates the entire organisation under the same premise whether it is with its ship-based outreaches or with its Mercy Teams. Set procedures allow for maximum benefit from every donation and skill from volunteers.
The focus is to respond quickly, but in a manner that ensures long-term success at delivering hope and healing to those affected by the disaster.