Although it has been a while since the quake in Haiti, relief efforts still continue to go strong. Even more so now as the American Red Cross announces new, expanded relief programs for devastated parts of the country. “Six months after the earthquake, Haiti is filled with signs of hope and progress as well as reminders of the immense needs that still remain,” remarks American Red Cross president and CEO Gail McGovern.

So far, there has been a great amount of funds and programs to keep the country’s hopes for recovery up. These include a $3.8 million agreement with Partners in Health to cover the salaries of more than 1,800 Haitian doctors, nurses, and staff at Port-au-Prince’s largest general hospital who have all been working without pay even since before the quake struck.

There has also been focus on building semi-permanent homes for the people who are mostly living under tarps and tents in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. In partnership with Mercy Corps as well, the Red Cross has also been supporting families outside Port-au-Prince that are hosting homeless Haitians through a $6.1 million cash-for-work program. With other financial assistance problems, not only is the Red Cross paying attention to the Haitians’ immediate needs but it’s also focusing on recovery that will last in the long run.

The organization has already set a way to direct funds both for answering immediate relief needs for the first twelve months after the quake and long-term recovery over the next three to five years. Ensuring the total recovery of Haiti, though, is not entirely dependent on the American Red Cross’ efforts. With still a long way to go before life is restored to normal in Haiti, I find that perhaps it’s not just the first providers of aid on the scene after the earthquake that should be applauded but the last ones as well.