The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is ready to send relief to the people of Iraq as soon as the need arises.

Officials from the Church's Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City are waiting for the possible conflict in Iraq to unfold before sending relief.

"Whether we send people or goods or funding, it's hard to say at this point," said Craig Knight, manager of emergency response. "We plan on doing some things, we're just not sure what the needs will be until things start."

Knight said the Church has a permanent supply of materials and people ready to help during any situation.

"We're prepared, whether it's a situation like this, where there's a war impending, or natural disasters and so forth," Knight said. "We're always in a position that we could immediately send relief."

The Church has a database of medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, who could be called upon to serve in Iraq.

"Before anyone would go, they would make sure that the environment is safe," Knight said. "We wouldn't send anybody if it seemed to be risky or an unsafe environment. Even though the needs might be there, there are potential risks, and we won't put anybody in a position of risk."

Knight said anyone who wants to volunteer to provide relief in Iraq should contact the Humanitarian Center and must go through a screening and training process.

The church's aid would come in addition to relief provided by the U.S. government.

During a speech Wednesday, President Bush directly addressed the people of Iraq, saying the United States would give them medicine and food to help them during conflict.

"If we must begin a military campaign, it will be directed against the lawless men who rule your country and not against you," Bush said.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has assembled the largest-ever U.S. humanitarian rapid response team to help the people of Iraq, according to officials with the U.S. State Department.

Workers at USAID have stockpiled emergency supplies, including wool blankets, hygiene kits, water jugs and rolls of plastic sheeting for emergency shelter.

Statistics from the Central Intelligence Agency show Iraq's public health is poor compared to Western standards.

Along with a 58 percent infant mortality rate and an average lifespan of 65 years, Iraq has a 42 percent illiteracy rate and an annual average income per capita of $2,500 in U.S. currency.

A conflict could prove devastating to the populace.

The church has provided relief in the neighboring countries of Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

Worldwide, the church has provided aid to nearly 150 countries totaling more than $444 million.

"Those helped are not our members," said LDS President Gordon Hinckley during an address to the National Press Club in 2000. "Our humanitarian efforts reach far beyond our own to bless the victims of war and natural disaster wherever they may occur."



Copyright Brigham Young University 19 Mar 2003