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Premier PAs Aid Haiti Relief Efforts
May 3, 2010
I began this adventure at my wife’s suggestion. After seeing the destruction and human suffering on TV, she felt I might be able to assist. I have not previously done relief work, but after some consideration, I decided to investigate further. My idea was to connect with other Premier providers and assemble a group who could travel and work together. After much research and many calls, I came across a small organization based in Ipswich, MA, called Partners in Development (PID). They expressed interest in working with me and my potential group. PID has been working in Haiti for 20 years, and they operate a medical clinic along with other activities that include a child sponsorship program.
Within 48 hours of putting out a call to other Premier providers, I had assembled 10 individuals, including four physicians and six PAs, many with disaster and medical mission experience. Unfortunately, after scheduling problems and issues with expired passports, our group shrank to three PAs…Haley Bartholomew (Marion/Galion, OH), Gary Duncan (Battle Creek, MI), and myself (Mercy Fairfield, OH). With less than a week to prepare (immunizations, the many essentials for a week of tent living, suitcases full of medical supplies and OTC medications) and full work schedules, the first miracle was that we actually managed to leave our respective cities (getting through security was a bit of a challenge) and meet up with the rest of our group at JFK. We eventually arrived at the Santo Domingo Airport in the Dominican Republic with a team of 14… including 4 doctors, 5 PAs, 2 nurses, 1 physical therapist, and 2 support personnel. After a 7-8 hour bus ride across the border, we arrived at our destination in Haiti—three weeks after the earthquake.
We camped in the backyard of a local resident in Bon Repos. They had a generator, so we had lights, running water and restrooms (considering what we were expecting, this was true luxury). The first morning in Haiti, we divided the medications we brought and split into teams. For the next five days we saw patients at three different clinics. Haley and Gary made the long daily trip back and forth to a clinic in Carrefour. While I initially went to the Bon Repos clinic, most of my time was spent at the Blanchard clinic. I was also blessed with an opportunity to spend some time at a local orphanage.
Altogether, our team treated over 1,300 patients. Most were disaster-related illnesses caused by unsanitary living conditions. There were a number of patients needing follow-up care for previously treated injuries suffered during the earthquake. We also saw many chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension that had never been treated. Although we found much we could not do, given the lack of medications, we found there was much we could do. Some of the sickest patients we referred to the few specialists available.
All in all, it was a very inspiring trip. The destruction was as devastating as anticipated from the TV images…just more “real” in person. But the people…they were amazing! The Haitian people take a lot of pride in their appearance and in their hygiene. Although they were living in tents and sleeping on the ground, they were clean, and their clothes were spotless. They were so appreciative of our efforts, even though there was little we could do at times. We found them to be gracious, kind, and generous. We never felt threatened or in danger. We saw a lot of UN and US forces, but they were primarily in the downtown area, not at our clinics. The group that drove through Port au Prince every day going to Carrefour and back did so without incident. What many of us will remember the most were the smiling faces of the children…they could melt your heart. Someone forgot to tell them they shouldn’t be happy with all they have to endure.
Thanks to everyone from Premier that I spoke with about joining us on this trip. Even if you were unable to go, the response was heartwarming, and I sincerely appreciated your support. In addition, thanks to Premier and the ER directors who allowed us to take the time off; I know it was a burden for those left behind. Finally, I appreciate the opportunity to share this experience and hope it will serve as a reminder of the ongoing needs of the Haitian people.
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