Hoosiers trying to help in Haiti

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Some Hoosiers are already trying to organize a group of medical people to go to Haiti.

A non-profit group called the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty is based in Michigan, but has members here in Indiana.

24-Hour News 8 spoke with one of the members Wednesday morning and they don’t know when they can get over there to help because they don't know the condition of the airports there, or how and where airplanes are going to be able to land there.

Ali Tarter is a Hoosier with the group, the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty. In December, she visited Haiti. Tarter said a man she met there named Franz talked with the head of the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty over the phone after the earthquake.

“Franz said that people didn't know what to do in the event of an earthquake so they were reacting like it was a hurricane so a lot of people actually began taking shelter in buildings and in basements because there just isn't very good education about what to do in case of an earthquake,” said Tarter.

Tarter says she's trying to help organize a group of doctors and other medical people to get down to Haiti to help the wounded.

She hopes they can leave in the next day or two, but she's still not sure just how soon they'll be able to get down there.

If you want to check on loved ones, the State Department has set up a toll free phone number 1-888-407-4747. Officials warn you may get a recording because the line is inundated with calls.