Our Swiss group headed to Cap Haitian. Jana had 3 women sewing with some donated fabric. The women were able to make 2 shower curtains for the rehab facility. They have also made 3 pillows and 2 a skirt. AJ saw an amputation and Jana went to a sewing school where 200 women sell their goods. It was a very hot and tiring day with the adjustment to the heat and humidity.
Tuesday’s medical clinic was less chaotic with fewer patients to see and no delay in starting. Although the clinic was only limited to 25 patients, 38 were seen. Several patients were followed up on and many of the complaints were again seen. An older woman brought in a very underweight infant. She had been caring for the infant since his mother passed away in the earthquake and had no means for feeding the child. She had gone through all of the formula she had and the infant was struggling to take the calories it needed. The caregiver was given donated formula and a bottle with instructions on how to mix with clean water. Several other women also brought in children throughout the day with the same struggle. Several trips were made down the hill to the local shop for formula. Stacie had the opportunity to follow up on several patients and track down some contacts for referrals.
The physio clinic was able to work with a woman who had injured her right arm in the earthquake. Lisa was able to manufacture a therapy splint for her. It was quite creative and will be very useful to her in her therapy. Jamen was able to fix one of the tables by borrowing a drill from someone in the hospital and then used bolts off of some crutches to pin the table. Jamen and Lisa were able to fix the wheelchair of a woman who had previously had a stroke. With all of the humidity and mosquitoes, bug spray with Deet is quite popular. Needless to say, the Deet was strong enough to take the finish off of the wheelchair and it ended on Suzie’s legs which resembled R2D2. The stroke woman has made some great progress being able to dress herself for the first time.
After clinic and a hot, busy day, the group looked forward to showers. However, a pipe had broken with the construction on the property and water was scarce. It was a welcomed pleasure to have a downpour of rain. It was worrisome to think about all of the displaced people dealing with the rain in their tents.
That evening was also a wonderful opportunity to receive a visit from two physicians and a Haitian born Utahn that were checking up on some patients that they had treated 5 days after the earthquake. They were a valuable resource and it was a pleasure to have them stop by. Chuck had previously had volunteered with Healing Hands for Haiti.
Tuesday’s medical clinic was less chaotic with fewer patients to see and no delay in starting. Although the clinic was only limited to 25 patients, 38 were seen. Several patients were followed up on and many of the complaints were again seen. An older woman brought in a very underweight infant. She had been caring for the infant since his mother passed away in the earthquake and had no means for feeding the child. She had gone through all of the formula she had and the infant was struggling to take the calories it needed. The caregiver was given donated formula and a bottle with instructions on how to mix with clean water. Several other women also brought in children throughout the day with the same struggle. Several trips were made down the hill to the local shop for formula. Stacie had the opportunity to follow up on several patients and track down some contacts for referrals.
The physio clinic was able to work with a woman who had injured her right arm in the earthquake. Lisa was able to manufacture a therapy splint for her. It was quite creative and will be very useful to her in her therapy. Jamen was able to fix one of the tables by borrowing a drill from someone in the hospital and then used bolts off of some crutches to pin the table. Jamen and Lisa were able to fix the wheelchair of a woman who had previously had a stroke. With all of the humidity and mosquitoes, bug spray with Deet is quite popular. Needless to say, the Deet was strong enough to take the finish off of the wheelchair and it ended on Suzie’s legs which resembled R2D2. The stroke woman has made some great progress being able to dress herself for the first time.
After clinic and a hot, busy day, the group looked forward to showers. However, a pipe had broken with the construction on the property and water was scarce. It was a welcomed pleasure to have a downpour of rain. It was worrisome to think about all of the displaced people dealing with the rain in their tents.
That evening was also a wonderful opportunity to receive a visit from two physicians and a Haitian born Utahn that were checking up on some patients that they had treated 5 days after the earthquake. They were a valuable resource and it was a pleasure to have them stop by. Chuck had previously had volunteered with Healing Hands for Haiti.
