Haiti 1/27/10

HI to all

Again another very busy day at Double Harvest.  The day started early as I had to go to the airport to pickup 5 pallets of medical supplies donated by ISOH/IMPACT.  This is one of the new organizations that has been a great help to us thanks to the coordination of Elizabeth Turnbull.  the road to get to the farm these days is mainly occupied be hundreds of people requesting care.  As you can imagine we are getting many patients that are not only affected by the earthquake but also wanting medical care.  Well, let me tell you, no doctor has been taking time off.  We set up examination “clinics” on any open spot in front of the clinic.  Yesterday they must of seen at least 400 people from kids to 85 year old ladies.  We regret to announce that yesterday we lost a patient due to very bad infection after an amputation.  That brings to death toll to 3 adults and 2 still born.  Although we would prefer not any of this happening we are VERY proud of our doctors who manage to keep that number down so much.  Every patient is treated as family.  I have hear a doctor tell me, I am doing for this patient what I would do for my mom.  With this in mind I cannot express to you the attention that these people receive.

The morning was interrupted by a important meeting with the doctors as the autoclave, “sterilizer” was down.  The doctors were a little panicking as they had to go to other means to sterilize equipments.  The last choice was to broil water and then dipping into alcohol.  A choice that was later rejected.  But then I told them ” Have no fear, Joe is here.”  Indeed 30 minutes later we were working.  One of these days we need to address this part of the clinic as we had to turn off some AC units to make the unit work so yes a autoclave will be on the wish list of Double Harvest.  We are unfortunately still waiting for the X ray machine no luck there.  This really limits the surgeries at our clinic.  Teams are moving in and out and it is nice to see the professionalism of these people when they have to pass the “baton” to the next teams.  Our nurses and staff are as you can imagine overwhelmed but so far keeping the fort.  The immediate needs for the clinic would be sheets for beds.  With all those infected wounds and amputation a lot of our sheets had to be destroyed or burned.  All our patients get proper care and food during the day some of them get some special go home packages.  They are also given the proper antibiotics, pain killers and vitamins and of course a promise for follow up.  Diane has taken care of the followup teams to come down and we seem to be secured for a least the next month or two.  Now we need to concentrate on feeding and shelter.  As far as shelter is concerned, last week my brother went to the Dominican republic and got me some tents and rechargeable winding light to give.  It was really nice for some people.  The bad news is that soon it will start raining again.  I know many people what to help but if we can I will have to go to the Dominican republic in 2 or 3 weeks for supplies we could get a few of those and give.  The tents costs about $90 to $110.  And the lights about $25.

The ports are still out of order and the airport controlled by US army, making cargo difficult.  The best bet these days in the DR for supplies.

I will try to get you a few pictures tomorrow so you can have an idea of what is going on.  Please keep the people in your prayers.  I wish we had a list of all those people, doctors, friends that helped us, prayed for us.  WE will never forget.

Sorry this email was a little long today but I did not write for 3 days.

Good night.