UNA USA Chicago: Notes from the Field...Haiti Relief

Tuesday, April 27th: The team heads home

2010-05-04T02:42:00.031-05:00

NOTE: The beginning of the blog starts with the last entry at the bottom.

As I think back, I am truly grateful for the versitility, expertise, and stamina of our team. They are tired of hearing how wonderful they are by now, but I will go on. It literally took months of preparation to touch ground in Haiti. The team first had to secure time off of work. Then, the real work began: getting passports, airfare, immunzations, raising funds, research, attending general training, basic life saving training, media events, and so on. The team sacrificed so much of their time, money, energy and heart into this relief project. Because of these efforts, The UNA-USA Haiti Relief Team was able to touch the lives of around 450 people. The traveling team includes:
Dr. Bruce Douglas -Oral surgeon, USA
Amy Miller -Nurse, USA
Greta Pemsl -Nurse, USA
Annalisa Dick -Nurse, CA
Juanita Tripplet -Respirtory therapist, USA
Jessica Johnson -Public health, CA
Mike Ladner -EMT, USA
Mike Theis -Chicago Police Officer, USA
Dr. Jaqueline Frausto -Chicago Police Officer, USA
Randy Nichols -Chicago Police Officer, USA
Rich Rizzo -Cook County Sheriff, USA

I would also like to give a special thanks to Carline Destine our interpretor who was truly instrumental in the planning and as our cultural liason. I also would like to thank Dr. Tin Depotke and Dr. Keith Price who joined our team when we arrived in Haiti. Good work, everyone!

Erica Green
Haiti Relief Team Coordinator
Public health, Psychotherapist, USA

Monday, April 26th: The last day was the most gruelling

2010-05-04T02:15:00.005-05:00

The team had a strong finish as they packed their bags and moved inside a nearby tent city. It was 8 hours in the blowing dust and 95 degree sun. Despite the extreme conditions the team saw 190 people, the most patients in one day. They could have seen more, but their supplies were depleated.

The weekend, April 24 & 25th: Free time

2010-05-04T01:59:00.010-05:00

The relief team took the weekend off to visit Leogone and the sponsoring church. Leogone was originally intended as a mobile clinic day but the Pastor feared being robbed. He noted that Leogone is one of the worst hit places and lacked police to enforce safety. People would assume he had money if he was seen with foreigners. That day was spent at the beach instead.

An unusual event happened Sunday night. As the crew was settling in for the night, their was yelling at the front gate of their residence. Neighbors of a nearby church carried in a woman whom they frantically said was demon possessed and bleeding. It was collaboration of western and traditional medicine to treat the patient. The relief team performed wound care and then stood back and watched a full exorcism.

Friday, April 23rd: Visit the Psychiatric Center

2010-05-04T01:07:00.007-05:00

It was another clinic day in Tabarre. By this day, the majority of the church congregation had been seen so the patient flow was much lighter. Meanwhile, Dr. Bruce Douglas and Health Task Force VP, Erica Green, ventured out separately to meet with national administrators. Fruitful discussions were held with Haiti's Minister of Health and the Director of the Psychiatric Center.

Thursday, April 22nd: Touring Port au Prince

2010-04-29T09:30:00.011-05:00

Signs of the January 12th earthquake are everywhere. Tents have been erected in just about every nook and cracked infrastructure can be found in most places throughout the city. The majority of the devastation can be seen near the Presidential Palace.

Wednesday, April 21st: Another day in the clinic

2010-04-29T09:21:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, April 20th: The clinic opens

2010-04-28T21:07:00.005-05:00

This day was anticipated to be a day of feast or famine. A local resident warned that no one would come to the clinic for fear the building would collapse. On the other hand, a tour of a nearby tent city revealed the urgent need for health care services. At the end of the day we saw 75 patients.

Monday, April 19th: Clinic set-up

2010-04-28T20:46:00.004-05:00

Today was the day for the team to clean, inventory the supplies, and arrange the furniture in the clinic. Meanwhile, I ventured out with Jessica Johnson, and Pastor Pierre to find Quisceya Private School, the medical resource hub.

Arriving in Port au Prince, April 18, 2010

2010-04-28T20:28:00.005-05:00

Our first day in Haiti was quite busy. The majority of the day was spent picking up the team from the airport and adjusting to our new living arrangements. We were surprised but pleased about our posh accomodations. The team mentally prepared for tents and a remote water source. Instead, we learned we would share the lovely home of the church pastor, Pierre Avril.