Communications link will speed supplies to those who need them in Haiti

A Connecticut man is leaving for Haiti Thursday to help set up a communications network to help get medical supplies and aid to those in need faster.

The system will allow people to dial or text their medical needs from their cell phones to participating agencies such as the Red Cross. The agency will receive an e-mail notifying them of the particular need.

Justin Reed, 25, of Mansfield, is teaming up with a private telecommunications company to set up the communications center. He will be working between Port-au-Prince and Petionville, areas devastated by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that rocked the nation two weeks ago.

Reed, a part-time dispatcher in Ledyard, is affiliated with InfraGard, a group that partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and private-sector infrastructure firms. The private telecommunications firm needed volunteers in Haiti, and some members of InfraGard were notified about it.

"I got presented with the opportunity, and I jumped on it," Reed said.

Communications are spotty in Haiti now, Reed said. The network he is helping to set up will provide wireless access points throughout Port-au-Prince and Petionville that are linked through the Internet.

There is some equipment already over there, but Reed will be bringing some things with him, like a solar-panel pack that can power things like a computer laptop, cell phone and iPod, and a few international cell phones.

"There is so much disorganization with supplies, and this will create some kind of organization on where they need aid, and what they need," Reed said.

"Eventually the plan is to create something that you can use for another disaster," Reed said.

While preparing to leave, Reed had another idea to help the Haitian people. After networking with some emergency services groups, he decided to gather medical supplies to bring with him. He was able to collect enough supplies to fill four large duffel bags.

Fire companies from Norwich, East Lyme, New London, Hartford, Preston City, and Willimantic, along with Ledyard Ambulance and 5.11 Inc., contributed supplies.

When he arrives in Haiti, Reed said his goal is to find a safe place to sleep and eat and make contact with his family. Then he's going to distribute the medical supplies and help set up the communications system. He's staying there until Feb. 6.

Although he's looking forward to his trip, Reed said at first he was a little apprehensive.

"There's so much unknown and so much unorganized activity going on. Hopefully everything goes well," Reed said. "I'm looking forward to dropping off the supplies, that will be the most gratifying. I'm also looking forward to seeing the communication system set up."