The cholera epidemic continues to be a major
problem. Please continue to keep
Pignon and the people of Haiti in your
Thoughts and prayers
Dear All,
Up today July 21 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center)
at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,329 patients
Total hospitalised today: 48 patients
Total discharged: 4,253 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Hope Touching Haiti Touching Hope June 16-23, 2011
The goal of this time in Haiti for team members from Hope
Church in Spencer Iowa and several team members
from nearby communities centered around sharing the
LOVE of Jesus Christ and making connections with
old and new Haitian friends.
The team consisted of 15 members, 11 were new to Haiti.
This was a family oriented group with a combination
of Grandson, Father, Grandmother, a mother /son pair,
an uncle/niece pair, and a grandmother/grandson pair.
The team was also unique starting with 2 high
schoolstudents and going through the ranks all the way
to 2 great grandmas.
We traveled from NW Iowa to fly out of Omaha, NE
to end up in Ft Pierce,FL overnight then flew
MFI the following day into Pignon. Many connections
had to be made but all went as scheduled
so we were happy travelers. Even the flooding
of the Missouri River around Omaha was
managed well.Upon arrival to Pignon, because of an
electrical problem, our reservation in the
Minnesota Dorm was switched to the newly
remodeled Hospital Dorm. Given the street paving
project that is ongoing, we were pleased to be able
to utilize the Hospital Dorm. With 2-3 people
in a room, there was one roomempty that was dubbed
“the warehouse” that helped organize the many
supplies that were brought along to help us
connect with the people of Pignon. There were a few
occasions when the water supply was limited
or non-existent but not for long. he main water
supply that was necessary was the bottled drinking water
that was replenished each day.
Our work project was the scraping,
scrubbing and painting of patientrooms and the nursery
on the main floor of the hospital. We had
brought along some rollers, brushes, etc.
The paint supply and other needed items were available
so we were able to complete the project. We even added the job
of painting the 2nd floor conference room.
It looks NICE! Vacation Bible School was
our other main focus. We were able to arrange3 places
that would provide the location and children for us to do 3 separate
sessions of VBS for a total of about 150 kids. Sharing the
Word of God to these Haitian children was a gift from God. God’s Word
was shared by using a flannel board to tell bible stories, followed
by a bible memory verse. The use of “The Mission Ball”
soccer ball withthe message of salvations printed on the ball IN
CREOLE was a wonderfulway to connect with the kids.
Another tool that was used was the ‘Evangecube” which is
basically the Gospel message in pictures. One of our team
members brought 2 guitars along to leave behind. We
utilized one to help lead songs in Creole,
“Praise Him, Praise Him”and “God is So Good”.
We did crafts: cross necklaces and kites.
Our recreation was flying the kites that had
been made. They actually did fly and what a sight it was!
And no VBS is complete without snacks:
Haitian cookies from the market and ‘
Sweety’ drink mix.
Another event was a soccer game that Wilkin
helped arrange.Our main focus was to share the message of
Salvation through Jesus Christ with the Mission Ball
soccer balls we had along.
Eventhough it was a hot afternoon
here were 6 of our team members that
participated in the game divided between the
teams. A key moment was when the
goats decided, in the middle of the game,
that it was time to cross over to the opposite
side of the field.
Several team members took “Creole
Language 101” during our stay in Pignon,
taught by a local brother/sister duo.
We hope to continue the learning the next time.
The week went by quickly and without incident.
Edmond and Obed were our hospital representatives.
Ezeckias was our MH4H representative
and Wilkin was our man with
connections to pastors for setting
up VBS times. We give them
all favorable marks! Thanks for the
opportunity to connect with the
Haitian people through sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The goal of this time in Haiti for team members from Hope
Church in Spencer Iowa and several team members
from nearby communities centered around sharing the
LOVE of Jesus Christ and making connections with
old and new Haitian friends.
The team consisted of 15 members, 11 were new to Haiti.
This was a family oriented group with a combination
of Grandson, Father, Grandmother, a mother /son pair,
an uncle/niece pair, and a grandmother/grandson pair.
The team was also unique starting with 2 high
schoolstudents and going through the ranks all the way
to 2 great grandmas.
We traveled from NW Iowa to fly out of Omaha, NE
to end up in Ft Pierce,FL overnight then flew
MFI the following day into Pignon. Many connections
had to be made but all went as scheduled
so we were happy travelers. Even the flooding
of the Missouri River around Omaha was
managed well.Upon arrival to Pignon, because of an
electrical problem, our reservation in the
Minnesota Dorm was switched to the newly
remodeled Hospital Dorm. Given the street paving
project that is ongoing, we were pleased to be able
to utilize the Hospital Dorm. With 2-3 people
in a room, there was one roomempty that was dubbed
“the warehouse” that helped organize the many
supplies that were brought along to help us
connect with the people of Pignon. There were a few
occasions when the water supply was limited
or non-existent but not for long. he main water
supply that was necessary was the bottled drinking water
that was replenished each day.
Our work project was the scraping,
scrubbing and painting of patientrooms and the nursery
on the main floor of the hospital. We had
brought along some rollers, brushes, etc.
The paint supply and other needed items were available
so we were able to complete the project. We even added the job
of painting the 2nd floor conference room.
It looks NICE! Vacation Bible School was
our other main focus. We were able to arrange3 places
that would provide the location and children for us to do 3 separate
sessions of VBS for a total of about 150 kids. Sharing the
Word of God to these Haitian children was a gift from God. God’s Word
was shared by using a flannel board to tell bible stories, followed
by a bible memory verse. The use of “The Mission Ball”
soccer ball withthe message of salvations printed on the ball IN
CREOLE was a wonderfulway to connect with the kids.
Another tool that was used was the ‘Evangecube” which is
basically the Gospel message in pictures. One of our team
members brought 2 guitars along to leave behind. We
utilized one to help lead songs in Creole,
“Praise Him, Praise Him”and “God is So Good”.
We did crafts: cross necklaces and kites.
Our recreation was flying the kites that had
been made. They actually did fly and what a sight it was!
And no VBS is complete without snacks:
Haitian cookies from the market and ‘
Sweety’ drink mix.
Another event was a soccer game that Wilkin
helped arrange.Our main focus was to share the message of
Salvation through Jesus Christ with the Mission Ball
soccer balls we had along.
Eventhough it was a hot afternoon
here were 6 of our team members that
participated in the game divided between the
teams. A key moment was when the
goats decided, in the middle of the game,
that it was time to cross over to the opposite
side of the field.
Several team members took “Creole
Language 101” during our stay in Pignon,
taught by a local brother/sister duo.
We hope to continue the learning the next time.
The week went by quickly and without incident.
Edmond and Obed were our hospital representatives.
Ezeckias was our MH4H representative
and Wilkin was our man with
connections to pastors for setting
up VBS times. We give them
all favorable marks! Thanks for the
opportunity to connect with the
Haitian people through sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Cholera fight continues in PIgnon
Cholera continues to be a big health concern in Haiti and in Pignon.
It is not an issue you will hear about on the news or find information about
it unless you do some searching on the internet. But it still is a big
concern in Haiti. As of today July 14, 2010 there are the statistics at
CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,234 patients
Total hospitalised today: 48 patients
Total discharged: 4,158 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
It is not an issue you will hear about on the news or find information about
it unless you do some searching on the internet. But it still is a big
concern in Haiti. As of today July 14, 2010 there are the statistics at
CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,234 patients
Total hospitalised today: 48 patients
Total discharged: 4,158 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
Monday, July 11, 2011
Cholera fight continues in PIgnon
Dear All,
Up today July 11 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,187 patients
Total hospitalised today: 46 patients
Total discharged: 4,113 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
The Cholera is going up every day at the hospital.
Best Regard,
Up today July 11 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,187 patients
Total hospitalised today: 46 patients
Total discharged: 4,113 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
The Cholera is going up every day at the hospital.
Best Regard,
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
HHRI Medical Trip
A Trip Report from Houston Haiti Relief Initiative Team!
A volunteer stated,
"Miraculously, all of the 1000 lbs. of supplies arrived with us and our
truck and driver to Pignon were waiting for us. Most of us did not
know each other before this trip and handled the challenges
thrown our way without stressing out. Richard, our team leader, could not have
dreamed up a better team building exercise!"
Dr. Richard Caplan gave this report about their trip and future plans:
HHRI is a 501(c) 3 formed after the 2010 earthquake to help
coordinate local assets towardtoward Haitian relief. It has long term
goals to find a specific Haitian center to support and develop
for upgrading the medical care for the Haitian population.
It has focused initially on two areas, medical teams and biomedical
repair and training. The latter is spearheaded by a group of Rotarians.
The medical teams are organized by physicians and
non physicians with a large cumulative
experience in Haiti and in mission work.
The latest mission had a surgical emphasis and
brought a 15 member team to
Hopital de Bienfaisance in Pignon in the northern
Central Plateau, 4/30-5/7/2011.
The team included physicians, nurses, nurse
anesthetist, physical therapist,biomedical technician, radiation
technician and administrative support. About
40 cases were performed. General surgery,
orthopedics and ophthalmology
were the represented surgical disciplines.
Two of the members were associated with
Jewish Health International based in Atlanta, an organization
with which I traveled last to Haiti in November.
Two were from Ohio and I knew them from
work done in the field hospital
that served the Port au Prince population
for 6 months after the quake. The pharmacist has spent 15 months
in Haiti since the quake. The radiation
technologist was from Dallas. The rest were from
the Texas Medical Center and represented St Luke's,
MD Anderson and The Methodist Hospital.
Major accomplishments included:
Successful funding went to offset supply and
medication costs, lodging and part of the
volunteers travel expenses. Multiple organizations
helped with grants, supplies and medications
including Americares, Medical Bridges, Memorial
Hermann, the Methodist Hospital,and the Methodist
church, Caring Friends, the Freedman fund and the
Merfish Fund. Multiple individuals generously
half of all funds raised. We brought about 1000 lbs of
supplies and medications. All surplus not used supplies
as well as a lot of personal goods were left for use at the hospital.
The vast majority of this hospital's care is on a charity basis.
All patients were treated for free and came from Pignon
and a draw of a population of about 140,000
Approximately 40 cases were preformed.
Especially in the OR and clinics, we worked
with local physicians and health care workers in
a collaborative fashion.The team was all volunteers.
The patients are cared for by local staff after we leave,
followup though is inherently spotty.
The therapist modeled physical therapy concepts
and, with local talent, supervised fabrication on site of
equipment for inpatient rehabilitation.
Ophthalmology treated over 200 patients and is assessing
a screening program for glaucoma using multiple
teams from multiple institutions.
The Biomedical technician assessed repair
versus replacement recommendations for hospital
equipment, repaired of the hospital's
only EKG machine to a functional status, and
with our radiation technology repaired of the hospitals
x-ray machine targeting system.
CPR and ophthalmic drop administration
classes were taught. OR supplies were organized
Pharmacy instruction by the pharmD modeled
modern and more efficient medication administration
options and brought compounding techniques that helped
several patients An assessment of the birthing agent
training program served as a possible prelude to a Baylor
maternal fetal medicine physician's formal evaluation for
opportunities to reduce maternal and fetal mortality.
Efforts are being made by the staff anesthesiologist to facilitate
the care two pediatric burn victims, hospitalized in Pignon,
to go to Boston Shriner's Hospital for care
Multiple assessment by specialty are forthcoming.
There was also great 'downtime' in the Minnesota
dorm care with lively discussions
on varied topics by many on the team.
Dr. Guy Theodore was present at multiple dinners
and discussions and provided his lifelong experience
with Pignon as a child and as its health
and education promoter for the last 25 years.
Team members ate communally and enjoyed
daily reviews of the highlights and opportunities e
ach day of our week. The tropical sunsets,
occasional rainbows, and pleasant weather and star
gazing with Google sky were an
unexpected and value added. Likely, Pignon has
seldom seen such a diverse group
of talented health care practitioners.
Additional missions are planned in 2011. A Port au Prince
mission to Bernard Mev is planned in the late summer.
All team members are aware of those who have supported the
mission. Many have done so themselves and all worked
collaboratively to exceed by far my initial vision for this trip.
Local relationships have been started and are
ongoing. Formal presentations are available by request and the website and
Facebook pages of the HHRI will tell a visual story of the trip.
Thanks to the supporters and especially to the brave volunteers who
gave of the time with big hearts to help the poorest neighbors we have.
Richard Caplan, MD, FACS
Team leader.
A volunteer stated,
"Miraculously, all of the 1000 lbs. of supplies arrived with us and our
truck and driver to Pignon were waiting for us. Most of us did not
know each other before this trip and handled the challenges
thrown our way without stressing out. Richard, our team leader, could not have
dreamed up a better team building exercise!"
Dr. Richard Caplan gave this report about their trip and future plans:
HHRI is a 501(c) 3 formed after the 2010 earthquake to help
coordinate local assets towardtoward Haitian relief. It has long term
goals to find a specific Haitian center to support and develop
for upgrading the medical care for the Haitian population.
It has focused initially on two areas, medical teams and biomedical
repair and training. The latter is spearheaded by a group of Rotarians.
The medical teams are organized by physicians and
non physicians with a large cumulative
experience in Haiti and in mission work.
The latest mission had a surgical emphasis and
brought a 15 member team to
Hopital de Bienfaisance in Pignon in the northern
Central Plateau, 4/30-5/7/2011.
The team included physicians, nurses, nurse
anesthetist, physical therapist,biomedical technician, radiation
technician and administrative support. About
40 cases were performed. General surgery,
orthopedics and ophthalmology
were the represented surgical disciplines.
Two of the members were associated with
Jewish Health International based in Atlanta, an organization
with which I traveled last to Haiti in November.
Two were from Ohio and I knew them from
work done in the field hospital
that served the Port au Prince population
for 6 months after the quake. The pharmacist has spent 15 months
in Haiti since the quake. The radiation
technologist was from Dallas. The rest were from
the Texas Medical Center and represented St Luke's,
MD Anderson and The Methodist Hospital.
Major accomplishments included:
Successful funding went to offset supply and
medication costs, lodging and part of the
volunteers travel expenses. Multiple organizations
helped with grants, supplies and medications
including Americares, Medical Bridges, Memorial
Hermann, the Methodist Hospital,and the Methodist
church, Caring Friends, the Freedman fund and the
Merfish Fund. Multiple individuals generously
half of all funds raised. We brought about 1000 lbs of
supplies and medications. All surplus not used supplies
as well as a lot of personal goods were left for use at the hospital.
The vast majority of this hospital's care is on a charity basis.
All patients were treated for free and came from Pignon
and a draw of a population of about 140,000
Approximately 40 cases were preformed.
Especially in the OR and clinics, we worked
with local physicians and health care workers in
a collaborative fashion.The team was all volunteers.
The patients are cared for by local staff after we leave,
followup though is inherently spotty.
The therapist modeled physical therapy concepts
and, with local talent, supervised fabrication on site of
equipment for inpatient rehabilitation.
Ophthalmology treated over 200 patients and is assessing
a screening program for glaucoma using multiple
teams from multiple institutions.
The Biomedical technician assessed repair
versus replacement recommendations for hospital
equipment, repaired of the hospital's
only EKG machine to a functional status, and
with our radiation technology repaired of the hospitals
x-ray machine targeting system.
CPR and ophthalmic drop administration
classes were taught. OR supplies were organized
Pharmacy instruction by the pharmD modeled
modern and more efficient medication administration
options and brought compounding techniques that helped
several patients An assessment of the birthing agent
training program served as a possible prelude to a Baylor
maternal fetal medicine physician's formal evaluation for
opportunities to reduce maternal and fetal mortality.
Efforts are being made by the staff anesthesiologist to facilitate
the care two pediatric burn victims, hospitalized in Pignon,
to go to Boston Shriner's Hospital for care
Multiple assessment by specialty are forthcoming.
There was also great 'downtime' in the Minnesota
dorm care with lively discussions
on varied topics by many on the team.
Dr. Guy Theodore was present at multiple dinners
and discussions and provided his lifelong experience
with Pignon as a child and as its health
and education promoter for the last 25 years.
Team members ate communally and enjoyed
daily reviews of the highlights and opportunities e
ach day of our week. The tropical sunsets,
occasional rainbows, and pleasant weather and star
gazing with Google sky were an
unexpected and value added. Likely, Pignon has
seldom seen such a diverse group
of talented health care practitioners.
Additional missions are planned in 2011. A Port au Prince
mission to Bernard Mev is planned in the late summer.
All team members are aware of those who have supported the
mission. Many have done so themselves and all worked
collaboratively to exceed by far my initial vision for this trip.
Local relationships have been started and are
ongoing. Formal presentations are available by request and the website and
Facebook pages of the HHRI will tell a visual story of the trip.
Thanks to the supporters and especially to the brave volunteers who
gave of the time with big hearts to help the poorest neighbors we have.
Richard Caplan, MD, FACS
Team leader.
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