Haiti Heads for 2011 | Recalling Visit in 2009
The 2009 visit to Haiti was the eighth over a period of several years with a program to treat pediatric clubfoot among Haiti’s children. The program has, at times, seemed to take a long time, but steadily progress is moving forward.
I wrote about that visit at PodiatryToday.com shortly after returning from the trip. The post, entitled Medical Mission Trip: Facilitating Clubfoot Care in Haiti is a journal of each day of the trip.
During these trips, I and other members of the team observed a high number of diabetic patients who have serious and poorly treated wounds which often leads to amputation. We became committed to an additional mission, that of establishing clinics in Haiti that will train staff and treat wounds in an effort to prevent unnecessary amputation. Information about that mission is gathered at WoundCareHaiti.org.
Now, an other year has passed and we are in the midst of the holidays, remembering January 2010 when the earthquake brought more disaster to Haiti.
At Hoosier Foot and Ankle, we have a heart for Haiti heading into the New Year. That mission is added to the mission we are committed to; that of providing excellent care for our patient’s feet. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy 2011.
WoundCareHaiti.org has a New Look and Plans to Continue to Serve
Recently, WoundCareHaiti.org received a facelift. The site is now on a platform that will make it easier for us to keep everyone updated as plans for clinics continue.
I , with colleagues, want to get clinics established for diabetic wound care in Haiti and make them available for emergencies such as the present Cholera epidemic.
The plan for the clinics includes extensive training both for staff and patients about sanitation and diet which will help the general health condition of the diabetic patients and their families.
The plans are outlined at the website and we have plans for ongoing information and contact. There is a place for those who wish to be benefactors of this mission to make a secure donation using PayPal.
We have a Facebook page and have Twitter posts ongoing to keep Haiti on our hearts and minds and those of other people who have a burden for the condition of the Haitian people.
Wound Care Haiti was established from observation of the need before the tragic earthquake which contributed to the sad conditions today. These days Haiti has great need at several levels. We’re not going to give up on these lovely people.
New Facebook Community Page for WoundCareHaiti.org
The new Community Page at Facebook for WoundCareHaiti.org will give this mission one more option to connect with people who share interest in Haiti online.
As a topic that appeals to Facebook users outside our field and circle, the community page was recommended as the format to use. As a community page, people who care about Haiti can read our updates and leave their own thoughts as well. They can become part of the mission in an active conversational manner and be creative about ways to accomplish more help for Haitians.
WoundCareHaiti.org was set up a few months before the tragic earthquake that has made the need even greater. When you are at your Account on Facebook, you’re invited to join the group by pressing the ‘like’ button. We’re eager to hear your ideas and interest in Haiti.
Haiti Pre-Earthquake | Was that the Good Old Days?
Along with many other generous people, we had a heart for the folks in Haiti before the tragic earthquake that caused so much damage a few months ago.
For Haiti, it wasn’t some little thing that happened “a few months ago”, their need was great before and it remains great. The people meet each day with the brave dignity of survivors.
Haiti is still very much on my heart and mind every day along as I treat patients at the Indiana clinics of Hoosier Foot and Ankle. I stay in touch with colleagues who are onsite in Haiti working to deliver wound care and meet other needs. While they work, we know the rest of the world has not forgotten, but each and every caring person is performing tasks at their location, perhaps to earn so they can give. Or perhaps to produce something that benefits more people than our friends in Haiti.
We were with Haiti at WoundCareHaiti.org before the earthquake and we will stay with Haiti. You can learn more at the link or ask me about the Haiti mission at your next appointment. Haiti is one of my favorite topics.
