Disaster Response
After responding to the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, Operation Smile recognized how the organization’s unique assets allow it to respond quickly in times of natural disaster. With a presence in more than 60 countries and with a global network of over 5,000 credentialed medical volunteers, Operation Smile can quickly address the surgical needs during a disaster.
Moving forward, Operation Smile has connected with key organizations and individuals, and prepared logistically to respond more quickly and efficiently. A disaster response model has been carefully developed and will continue to be refined, exercised and improved upon in order to deliver a safe and effective care in future disasters.
Leveraging its area of expertise, Operation Smile will focus on delivering surgical care in scenarios where the inordinate number of injuries requiring a surgical response has overwhelmed the local healthcare capacity. Our trained surgical and medical professionals have experience working in difficult conditions around the globe. In addition, the Operation Smile logistics team is skilled in deploying and organizing highly-functional surgical environments in developing countries.
Dr. Thomas G. Crabtree has been appointed Operation Smile’s Director of Disaster Response. Dr. Crabtree serves as the senior medical advisor to the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance of the U.S. Pacific Command and his disaster relief and humanitarian assistance deployments span three decades and nearly 50 countries.
Dr. Stuart Mackler was appointed to advise on Orthopedic programs and needs, and is working to establish a base of orthopedic and trauma surgeons who will be credentialed to join Operation Smile’s volunteer disaster response teams.
