Summer 2014 Update

A Haiti Success Story. For many, this concept seems like an oxymoron. Too often Haiti equates to an overwhelming, unfixable money pit. The tragedies and desperation tug at the heart of any compassionate person, but tangible and sustainable relief usually evades most planners’ grasp.

While Haiti, like any low resource country, remains fraught with challenges, Hôpital Sacré Coeur stands out as a stunning success story, in a country where success is more often a talking point than a physical reality. Mind you, our last chapter has yet to be written, but the progress and accomplishments made to date at Hôpital Sacré Coeur have, quite literally, brought many Haitians to tears of gratitude.

When videos and pictures of the new outpatient clinic were broadcast throughout Haiti by news outlets, some Haitians openly wept because of the contrast between what they were used to in terms of medical surroundings and this gleaming new medical facility. Finally, the hope of access to quality, modern healthcare was a tangible reality.

On June 6th, Haiti’s First Lady Sophia Martelly and Archbishop Louis Kebreau cut the ribbon on the new Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) Outpatient Clinic. The speeches delivered by the First Lady, the Archbishop, the Ambassador of Japan, the Minister of Health, the country heads of the Centers for Diseases Control, Catholic Medical Mission Board and other officials and dignitaries emphasized the historic accomplishment of building a first class medical facility in less than a year’s time. Money spent and tracked wisely built a facility with the capacity to provide quality healthcare for an additional 50,000 or more Haitians.

With 18 examination rooms, a modern radiology suite, new dental clinic, pharmacy, medical records department, pediatrics and HIV clinics and an impressive and modern emergency department, the Notre Dame Clinic is a flagship healthcare facility.

The timing couldn’t be better!

Summer in the U. S. and Canada brings family gatherings, celebrations of national independence, vacations filled with sporting events, the laughter and delight of children playing outdoors, and an easier pace to the day. Most everyone looks forward to one or several carefree events.

And here’s why your summertime support is sorely needed:

• The number of mosquito borne suspected and confirmed chikungunya cases has reached epidemic proportions. Proper fever control and joint pain management require increased medication supplies. Patients already struggling with compromised health require additional medical attention.

• Tropical summer rainfalls drastically increase the number of mosquitoes and their debilitating and often deadly array of viral and parasitic diseases: malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and lymphatic filariasis – to name just a few.

• Rainy season is now cholera season as the waters let loose often deadly cholera. The lack of fresh water for drinking and cleaning becomes particularly life threatening during the summer.

• Oppressive heat and humidity (temperatures near and over 100 degrees coupled with 96% or more humidity) exacerbate cardiac and respiratory problems. More cases of severe dehydration and its critical conditions fill the hospital. Infants are particularly vulnerable.

• The country-wide food shortage continues leaving more and more children malnourished and adults weakened and more prone to injuries and without the strong immune system to fight off infections and disease. Families are threatened when the breadwinner falls ill or injured.

• Hospital fuel costs soar during the summer months as we provide our OR, NICU, ICU, palliative care unit and ER patients with modest relief to the high temperatures. We never reach the chilly air conditioned temperatures enjoyed by most North Americans, but even lowering the temperature 10 degrees and cutting humidity by 25% offers our patients, particularly the infants, health benefits and more comfort.

Yes, the new Notre Dame Clinic is getting quite a work out, as Haitians with nowhere else to go for care come to Hôpital Sacré Coeur to survive the deadly Haitian summer.

You know us. We never back down from a challenge. Since 1986, almost 30 years, we have planned carefully, spent wisely and worked tirelessly to attack the big problems, one small, solvable problem at a time. That’s why you and I, working together, have a track record of making a difference in Northern Haiti and being a model for the country. Working together, you and Hôpital Sacré Coeur provide accessible, quality healthcare, while being an economic driver and the region’s largest employer.

As one our patients so clearly said:

“I cannot imagine life without Hôpital Sacré Coeur! It is unthinkable.”

During this deadly Haiti season of summer, we ask you for a special summertime donation.
Here is what your donation will provide:

• Medication to treat mosquito borne viruses like chikungunya, dengue fever and malaria.

• Medical care for those severely affected by the oppressive heat and humidity.

• Critically needed treatment for infants and children compromised by food shortages and lack of proper nutrition and safe, clean water.

• Supplies and material to aggressively control mosquitoes and other carriers of deadly diseases.

• Fuel to allow patients to heal faster and more comfortably in more climate controlled rooms.

Thanks to a generous agreement with Holy Name Medical Center, I am very pleased to tell you:

100% of each dollar donated to CRUDEM goes directly to Patient Care.

Whatever your summer plans, we hope you will add making a difference and having significant impact in Northern Haiti to your list. Let’s keep those rainbows coming!

Gratefully yours,
David G. Butler, M.D.
Chairman

P.S. Between now and the end of summer, Hôpital Sacré Coeur will serve another 12,000 people – but only with your generous support. Please join us in saving lives by sending your tax deductible donation by September 21st. Remember, 100% of your donation will go to patient care.

There are many ways to give to CRUDEM. You can make a donation online, through the mail, or by wire transfer. You can also donate stocks and securities as well as goods and services. You can even donate medical and construction supplies and equipment, even your old cell phone.

The fastest, easiest and most cost effective way to donate is to donate online.