|
By Johanna Berrigan
" Lead your Church to sing your praise in every place, at every time, for every thing, in every way. God, turn our hearts to you.”
" Let all people experience the beauty of your creation and gifts of clean air, water and food. God, turn our hearts to you.”
Prayers for Oct. 30, 2011, from “Give Us This Day”
Afer a harrowing time in line at the Port au Prince airport, I am finally in my seat on my way home. I sit, breathe deeply, and pray. The first intercessory prayer fills my heart with joy. The stress of the queue fades away. The prayer reflects the experience of being with the people of Haiti. They are a people who are capable of singing praise in every place, at every time, for everything, in every way.
I read the second prayer, and I feel amazed that the contrasting reality of the situation in Haiti is so clearly written on the same page this day. Yes, there truly is singing and praise, and yes, sadly, there is real hunger, the need for food, clean air and
clean water.
There is also the need for health care—a need we are diligently trying to meet through our health care project, Kay Lasante. We returned to Haiti to spend time working with the staff of our project. Bishop Tom Gumbleton and I were joined on this trip by Katie Huynh, Physician Assistant and former House of Grace community member, Mark McKenna, MD, and Laura McKenna, Nurse Practitioner, both of whom are long term volunteers and supporters of the House of Grace Catholic Worker community. We were able to meet with the Haitian board members, assist with health care services at the clinic, and Katie, Mark and Laura provided continuing education classes for the nurses and health agents. The progress being made by the entire staff is impressive and heartwarming. 
Since our last visit to Haiti in May, there have been several beneficial changes. In August, 2011, Kara Grant, one of our board members, moved to Haiti to live and serve as interim Administrator. Kara's expertise, enthusiasm, and love for Haiti have been invaluable assets to the project. In addition to being a lawyer and having experience in operations management and mediation work, Kara also speaks Creole fluently. The improved communication between the U.S. board and Haitian board members, together with Kara's day-to-day oversight of the project have radically improved the efficiency and ease with which we are able to accomplish our goals. Kara's presence has been a "win-win" for all involved. The board members and staff in Haiti are delighted to have her with them accompanying them in their work. We are deeply grateful for her service.
On Nov. 14th, Kay Lasante moved to a new location. The lease was up on the property we have rented for the past year. The new location is very close to our current clinic in the same neighborhood of Ti Plaz Kazo. The new Kay Lasante building will better serve our needs. It is a larger building with more rooms. We will have an administrative office on site, space to expand laboratory services, and more rooms for consultations. There are more windows which allows for more light. The floors are tiled, instead of concrete, which makes for a more professional atmosphere. There is a courtyard that will serve as a waiting area. Naturally, we dream of creating a space of healing and beauty. We plan to plant flowers and herbs. We are currently building a pavillion to provide shade while people wait to be seen.
We hold fast to the Haitian proverb, "piti, piti na rive" (little by little we will arrive), yet we couldn't help but feel pleased and proud of the progress that has been made and the services being provided. On the day that we worked at the clinic, Dr. Belfort, Dr. McKenna and Katie saw 75 patients. With the move to the new building, the clinic hours have expanded. We will be open four days each week, with one day for children only.
One woman's story reveals that the long-held dream of health care and community outreach services for St. Claire's parish community have become a reality: It was Wednesday. We were scheduled to hold health education classes that morning. One of the health agents, Menard, arrived with a young woman who had gone to Menard's house the evening before because she had terrible pain and swelling in her hand. She knew that Menard worked at the clinic. Menard did what she could for her and advised her to come to clinic with her in the morning. The young woman had cut her hand 10 days prior while cutting soap to do her laundry. She did not realize that the cut was serious, and like any of us would, she waited and hoped that it would get better. It did not. The day we saw her, her hand was badly infected with severe swelling all the way up her forearm. She also had trouble moving some of her fingers. Dr. McKenna was able to do a simple surgical procedure and we provided the necessary medications. She returned each day for follow-up care during the week. The beauty of the project is that Menard was able to check in on her and do dressing changes over the weekend at her home. We received an e-mail today from Dr. Belfort that her hand is healing nicely.
On Friday mornings, the health agents see patients who are being followed for high blood pressure. People come in just to have their blood pressure checked during a time when the clinic is not so busy. People also come on Friday mornings for acupuncture treatments. It was truly impressive to see how the agents created this quiet space for people to sit, relax, and receive the five - needle treatment to the ear that will help relieve stress and anxiety. I can still see the elderly people sitting with their eyes closed, their heads in their hands perhaps trying to pray, or let go of what we can probably never comprehend. When we inquired about how the treatments were received by the people, one of the health agents remarked "they have received them very well, it is as if the Haitians have always known about acupuncture." The health agents look forward to more training by Acupuncturists Without Borders. We are so grateful to Julia Raneri for her determination in accomplishing the goal of training our health agents.
Perhaps what brings the most joy to all involved in the project is the good news that five of our health agents are currently attending classes to complete their Auxiliare training. This course is similar to what we would think of as prerequisite classes. It is a two-year diploma course that is necessary in order to go on to other areas of study in health care. We were able to sit with each of the agents and listen to their goals for the future. In addition to the long-standing goal of at least one of the agents, Julienne Picot, becoming a Midwife, the others shared their dreams: Nadine and Daddy would like to become lab technicians, Menard would like to become a Nurse, possibly a midwife, and Rita, the youngest member of our team, wants to become a Doctor. We hope to continue to assist them to achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams. It is admirable that the agents attend school and continue to work on behalf of their community. We must also mention that the health agents all have children and families to care for.
We recently experienced our first real changes in personnel since meeting this group of people from the parish back in 2006. We whole-heartedly congratulate Wilda Mondestin, Administrative Assistant, on her recent marriage. Unfortunately, this means that she will no longer be working with Kay Lasante. Wilda has accepted a full-time position with Mennonite Central Committee. We wish her the very best in her marriage and her new job.
Dr. Joey Prosper has also moved on to another position. It became very evident to us and to him that he was just too busy to provide the direction that this rapidly growing project requires. We wish him well. We thank both Wilda and Dr. Joey for their service with the project and for the community.
As I close, I am reminded of another touching story: Kara shared that she noticed the hand writing of Rita, one of the health agents, at the top of each laboratory requisition. She understood some, but not all of it. She asked Rita what it was that she was writing, only to find out that each day Rita writes some quote from scripture such as: “If God is for me, who can be against me,” and “This is the day that the Lord has made."
We continue to be inspired by this group as they try to meet the health care needs of their community and continue their education. We must emphasize that they do this in the face of many obstacles. Their faith, determination, and progress fill us with joy.
We deeply appreciate your prayers,concern, and continued support for the people of Haiti.
Peace,
Johanna Berrigan
Bishop Tom Gumbleton
UPDATE: Haiti Trip May, 2011
[In this update of Bishop Gumbleton and Johanna Berrigan's most recent vist to Haiti, Johanna reports on the current conditions for Haitian people, on the latest news of the
clinic Kay Lasante, on the problems of the recent election,
and on the meeting Bishop Gumbleton and she had with
former President Aristide]
…And there, too, a great deal has to be gone through, as gradually you struggle less and less for an idea, and more and more for specific people. The range tends to narrow down, but it gets much more real. In the end, it is the reality of personal relationships that saves everything.
Thomas Merton, Letter to a Young Activist
Back to Haiti
We returned to Haiti in May primarily to meet with the Haitian board members and the staff of Kay Lasante Health Care project. The House of Grace Catholic Worker together with Bishop Tom Gumbleton continues to remain very involved and provides support in whatever ways that we can. In addition to meetings regarding staff development, we were able to take necessary supplies and medicines. As we approach the one year anniversary of leaving the tent clinic and renting the Kay Lasante clinic building, it seems an appropriate time to give an update on the project and our recent trip.
The present conditions in Haiti
The misery, sadly, continues for the Haitian people. The situation in Haiti becomes progressively worse. It is eighteen months since the earthquake and there remain close to a million homeless people living in tents. Recently, Mario Joseph, Human Rights Lawyer, filed a suit against the Mayor of Haiti because of violent, forced evictions of people from displaced persons camps. Kathleen Bergin and Nicole Phillips report that, “Last month the Haitian police, a local Mayor, and private security agents raided and destroyed three displacement camps in the city of Delmas outside of Port au Prince to remove approximately 1,000 homeless earthquake victims.” (Please visit the Institue for Justice and Democracy website for more information about forced evictions and how you can take action).
The roads were more impassable than I can ever recall. Daniel Tillias, our driver and translator, explained that the recent rains had created large craters in the unpaved roads. The roadsides remain covered with foul-smelling garbage and huge piles of rubble. Near St. Claire’s church we saw structures being built by USAID out of plywood to serve as temporary housing. They are simply not adequate - even for temporary housing. There is no electricity or running water.
“The poor are always forgotten.”
We did not travel to the downtown area during this trip, however, friends who live and work in Haiti shared depressing facts with us: There has been some clean up in downtown in Port au Prince, but no signs of reconstruction or rebuilding. They continue to ask themselves, “Where is all the earthquake reconstruction money that was committed to Haiti?”
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund donated $29 million to rebuild a hotel in Petionville in order to attract business people and investors who need a business class, seismically safe hotel. Our friends question, “What about the poor, the needy, and the homeless?” One friend shared that the Haitians say, “The poor are always forgotten.”
Elections, Martelly and Aristide
Regarding the election of Michel Martelly, less than 25% of the people went to the polls to vote, a record low voter turnout. Haiti’s electoral council refused to allow the Fanmi Lavalas party, the party of former President Jean Bertrand Aristide, to run candidates. Most Fanmi Lavalas members boycotted the elections. On March 18, 2011, after seven years in exile, President Aristide returned to Haiti. He remarked, “The problem is exclusion, the solution is inclusion. The exclusion of Fanmi Lavalas is the exclusion of the majority.”
The following is information taken from an article by Charlie Hinton, Haiti Action Committee. It was posted on the web page of the Institute for Justice and Democracy:
…Significantly, on Jan. 16, former dictator Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) Duvalier returned to Haiti from France… Martelly’s ties to the former dictator can be traced to his youth – he joined the Duvalierist death squad, the tonton macoutes, at the age of 15. He later attended Haiti’s military academy. Under Baby Doc, Martelly, a popular musician, ran the GARAGE, a nightclub patronized by army officers and members of Haiti’s tiny ruling class. After Baby Doc’s fall in February 1986, a mass democratic movement, long repressed by the Duvaliers, burst forth and became known as Lavalas, from which emerged Aristide, who was elected president in 1990 by 67% of the vote in the first free and fair election in Haiti’s history.
Martelly quickly became a bitter Lavalas opponent, attacking the popular movement in his songs played widely on Haitian radio. Martelly “was closely identified with sympathizers of the 1991 military coup that ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide,” the Miami Herald observed in 1996, and ran with members of the vicious FRAPH death squad from that period, infamous for gang rapes and killing with impunity.
In his first visit to the United States, [after his election] Martelly met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, officials from the IMF, the World Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank, indications of where his allegiances lie. Clinton stated the U.S. is behind him “all the way.” In his visit to Washington, Martelly announced his intention to reconstitute the Haitian army, disbanded by President Aristide. [This had been] one of Aristide’s most popular decisions.”
Kay Lasante : “Little by little we will arrive”
Despite the lack of improvement in general and the insecurity regarding the future, the Haitians continue on with hope and strength. Our project, Kay Lasante, although still in its infancy, is strong and growing. The clinic continues to operate on a regular basis. There is never a lack of people who need health care services. The health agents continue to do home visits for those patients who require follow up care.
Recently, we hired a second doctor, Dr. Belfort J. Fefnay. We feel so blessed to have him with us. We know him through his dedicated work at Matthew 25 House during the earthquake. We also hired a pharmacy assistant, Ms. Antonine Jean Louis, who is also a Nurse with much experience and maturity. In addition, we hired a caretaker for the building, Ms. Emmanuel Ludna. Ms. Ludna is an elder in the community. It is touching to hear her speak as she shares her wisdom with the younger health agents.
Four of the health agents recently completed an acupuncture training workshop sponsored by “Acupuncturists Without Borders.” It is a simple technique that will treat people suffering from anxiety and stress disorders. We are most grateful to Julia Raneri for organizing this workshop and for her participation in training our health agents. We are inspired by her hard work and dedication to helping the Haitian people.
During our staff meeting it was heartening to listen to the dreams for the future of Kay Lasante: The nurses want to implement a nutrition program. Miss Julienne Picot, the coordinator of the health agents, together with the health agents is already working on a family planning project. They have received training in providing immunizations and injections. They want to begin an immunization program for children.
The staff has requested that we add a day just for children, and a day for women’s health. Two of the women, Julienne Picot and Daddy Mondestin have been waiting to attend a midwife training program. There are no words to describe the spark in Julienne’s eyes or her exclamation of joy when I said “The midwife program will start in January.” The board members report that “we have a good reputation in the community and people are happy with the services.”
We were pleased to hear this, and yet realized that there are still obstacles to overcome. What was most evident during this particular trip is that we are truly a team working together. There is an ever-increasing level of honesty. We are more aware of the problems, and yet happy that our relationship with the board members and staff is more authentic. We continue to work on staff development and trying to create a collaborative work environment. For a couple of our staff members, this is their first professional work opportunity. This is also a first experience of working with a board of directors. It was troubling to see tension among some of the staff members. We were able, though, to facilitate a conversation and we feel hopeful because there is willingness on the part of the staff members to grow and change. We have faith that as Fr. Jean Juste always said, “Pitit Pitit Na Rive.” Little by little we will arrive.
Meeting with President Aristide
Bishop Gumbleton and I had the honor and great joy of meeting with President Jean Bertrand Aristide and his wife, Mildred. Any doubt, fear, or feelings of hopelessness and despair regarding our work and Haiti seemed to melt away in their presence. I think now of the quote “peace is where you bring it.” So, too, are strength, courage, commitment, and faith. It was so inspiring to talk with these two extraordinary people who exude such humility, warmth, concern and compassion. One can only marvel at their joy and calm determination to live and serve in Haiti knowing their history, their struggle, and the insecurity and suffering that they have endured.
President Aristide came alive with joy as he shared the dream of reopening the medical school that had been closed during the coup. The University was founded by the Aristide Foundation in 2001. Mildred provided the details on the school’s closing: On March 8th, Women’s Day 2004, two hundred and fifty four students were removed from the school at gunpoint. The U. S. military then turned the school into military barracks. The building was not damaged in the earthquake. President Aristide believes it is only right that it be put to appropriate use once more. They proudly shared that many of those medical students went on to graduate from medical school in Cuba and have now returned to help Haiti.
We were able to share with President Aristide and Mildred the story of our journey with Fr. Jean Juste, St. Claire’s parish community, and the founding of Kay Lasante. They were pleased and grateful to learn of our work. We confided that we were, in essence, doing a very little bit, but that we were aware of the positive impact the project has had on the growth, maturity and dignity of all those involved. President Aristide replied, “ The little bit that you are doing is helping all of the Haitian people… you are doing what I have spoken about - helping to bring the Haitian people from misery to poverty with dignity.”
We will, because of the concern and support of each of you, continue to work with the Haitian people to improve the health, well-being and dignity of St. Claire’s parish community.
With gratitude,
Blessings and Peace,
Johanna Berrigan, House of Grace Catholic Worker
Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Detroit Michigan
Haiti: A History of Exploitation
By Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton Feb. 2011
Haiti’s Revolution and US and French Policy
Haiti: Slaves and Revolution – After thousands of slaves were taken from Africa to Haiti in the 17th and 18th centuries Haiti became the richest of the French colonies providing sugar, the 18th century cash crop, for France to sell and profit from throughout the world. By the end of the 18th century there were 500,000 to 700,000 slaves working on plantations and they outnumbered the master class by 10 to 1. The first slave revolt broke out in 1791 and continued until the Haitians successfully defeated Napoleon’s military and declared their independence from France in 1804. This was the only successful slave revolt in human history. Haiti became the world’s first independent black republic and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere (after the US)...READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
On the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti Bishop Gumbleton and
Johanna Berrigan urge us to take action:
SIGN A PETITION to State Department Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills to demand that the U.S.LISTEN TO THE HAITIAN PEOPLE AND SUPPORT NEW ELECTIONS instead of further financing an illegitimate election process in Haiti.
Dear Friends,
As we observe the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, we can think of no better way to honor the memory of those killed in the earthquake, the injured, the suffering, and those left homeless than to seek justice for the people of Haiti.We ask that you read the following "Half-hour for Haiti Action Alert" and sign the petition above. We agree with Brian Concannon and the Institute for Justice and Democracy that, " without new elections, the recovery process will be undermined. " Along with the Institute of Justice and Democracy, we urge you " to keep Haiti in your thoughts, but more importantly, in your actions this year." Please, take a few moments to read the letter and sign the petition. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the people of Haiti. We are most grateful for your support of the Kay Lasante health care project. Please keep Haiti in your prayers. Peace, Johanna for House of Grace Catholic Worker and Bishop Tom Gumbleton
LATEST UPDATE FROM HAITI:
(earlier updates here)
Report from Nov. 27th trip
Dear Friends,
"It is not true that our hopes for the liberation of humanity, for justice, human dignity, and peace are not meant for this earth and for this history…so let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ--the life of the world." - Daniel Berrigan
We had the opportunity to be in Haiti as we began the Advent season. The Haitian people are certainly an Advent people: they are living through such dark times, yet they are full of hope, life and longing. At once, we want to say how little the situation in Haiti has changed since the earthquake, particularly in downtown Port au Prince. The conditions that people are living and working in are appalling. Questions abound and answers are slow in coming: where is all the money that was promised to the people of Haiti? Why has so little been done towards recovery and reconstruction? When will there be more permanent housing for the more than 1.3 million people displaced and still living in tents? When will there be access to potable water for all? What can be done to improve sanitation; particularly in light of the cholera epidemic that is sweeping the country? When will there be an end to gender based violence? When will corruption cease? When will there be a fair, democratic election and a President whom the majority of people voted for? Why are the people of Haiti left to resort to violent measures before their voices are heard?
The list goes on. The concerns and questions are pressing and real; people are outraged, tired and suffering. Yet, the Haitian people and those who accompany them have moved forward with courage and strength to improve the situation for themselves and their sisters and brothers despite what the Haitian government and the international community have not done. In the midst of these dark times, there are numerous rays of hope and reasons to rejoice.
We were delighted to see the Kay Lasante clinic building, it is simply beautiful. It is perfect for our purposes with room to improve and expand. The staff and board members of Kay Lasante lovingly cleaned, painted, decorated, and created a healing environment.  There is an open porch that serves as the intake/waiting area, a triage area that also serves as an observation room for anyone who requires more care and closer monitoring. For example, a patient who has a fever and is very dehydrated will be kept for medication, IV’s and observation. There is a large room with two stations that serve as consultation and examination areas. There is a pharmacy, and a room which will one day serve as the laboratory.
Upon arrival at the clinic we were amazed at all that had been accomplished. As we entered the triage area, there was a colorful, hand-painted sign above the doorway expressing gratitude to us. It was touching and it felt good to be appreciated, but without your generosity none of this would have been possible. We want to share with each of you our deep gratitude, and the gratitude and joy of the Kay Lasante staff for all that you have given that has made the dream of health care and health education a beautiful and inspiring reality. 
Our delegation, including Maire St. Ledger and Sr. Anne McCarthy OSB, both Registered Nurses, worked with Dr. Joey and the staff at the clinic. We saw and treated many patients: most with common everyday health problems, some very sick with malaria, dehydration, and hypertension out of control. We had two patients during the week who stayed for brief periods for observation; both ultimately did well.
During our time at the clinic, we were able to assess the needs and determine what should be done in the immediate future. The number one priority is electricity. Our board members will determine how best to accomplish this. We look forward to providing the necessary funds. With electricity, in addition to simply better lighting, a host of other projects will be possible, e.g., immunizations for children, a nutritional supplement program, and a laboratory.
Dr. Joey Prosper and the Kay Lasante staff have established a partnership with St. Damien’s Pediatric hospital in order to treat patients critically ill with cholera. Any patient that is seen at Kay Lasante who is suspected of having cholera is given a dose of an antibiotic and started on an IV and then, if need be, taken to the hospital.
We were able to provide educational materials for the prevention of cholera. We brought a large supply of water purification tablets, and IV solutions. We did not see an active case of cholera at Kay Lasante, but we were told that in the surrounding three communities there have been 800 reported cases of cholera, with 17 deaths.
One of our health agents, Menar Sentile, held a class on the importance of hand washing and the prevention of cholera for literally hundreds of children at the WHAT IF Foundation food program founded by Margaret Trost. With the assistance of Maire St. Ledger, and Daniel Tillias, our translator and driver, critically important information was provided for the children with visual aids in an upbeat, positive manner. On our last morning in Haiti, Sr. Anne McCarthy OSB, and Maire St. Ledger held a class on how to assess children and adults for dehydration through observation and taking vital signs. We also did education on proper wound care management for the health agents.
One of the main goals of the project is to continue to provide for health education classes for the health care agents.
Lily Yeh, a Philadelphia artist, joined us on this delegation. She worked tirelessly with people at the camp at Matthew 25 house, and with the community in Cite Soleil. Her vision of inspiring hope and fostering healing from trauma through art is truly amazing. One woman, disabled from the earthquake, who lives in the camp at Matthew 25 House remarked to Lily, “ …many people bring us things, but you are the first to wake up our imagination, if we cannot imagine and we are not taking in something new, we are not really living… we feel we have come alive. ”
In Cite Soleil, the most barren, stark area one could imagine, Lily brought the people together to reclaim their community through art and beauty. She worked with both children and adults. On the concrete wall that borders the camp for the disabled and elderly, they created a beautiful, colorful mural: a Tree of Life, Haitian Style complete with the sun, star shaped flowers, and tropical birds. 
The children painted thirty 20 ft. poles which will function as a fence around the Pax Christi soccer field. To see the smiles on the children’s faces, and the joy that these activities brought was truly uplifting. Upon seeing the mural and the artwork of the children, Daniel Tillias remarked, “when people see beauty arising from Cite Soleil, they will sense that transformation has begun. “ Lily said of her experience, “The joy of creativity was palpable in the camp. It was like the spirit moving through the people, gently touching and comforting.”
So, once again, we witnessed and were part of precious moments of hope and joy rising above the chaos and despair. We don’t have all of the answers to the complex issues facing Haiti, but we are moved and remain inspired by the Haitian people. They endure such dark times and yet, as Daniel Berrigan writes, “see visions of love and peace and justice “. They are truly an Advent people who hope against hope.
Thank you for being part of that hope and a light for the people of Haiti. We wish each of you many Blessings during this Advent/ Christmas season.
Peace,
Johanna Berrigan, House of Grace Catholic Worker
Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Detroit, MI
\
Bishop Gumbleton and Johanna Berrigan return to Haiti on Sat. Nov. 27th with medical team and healing artist Lily Yeh
Dear Friends,
As you know, the situation in Haiti is grave. There are still 1.3 million people living outside in camps throughout Port au Prince. There is, unfortunately, nothing of significance to report regarding any real progress towards recovery, reconstruction and rebuilding. The Haitian people continue to endure unimaginable difficulties.
We will be returning to Haiti on Saturday, Nov. 27th. for follow up work with our Haiti health care project, Kay Lasante, in Ti Paz Kazo. Since our last visit in August, our health care team and board members in Haiti have secured a building to rent for the next year. It has been deemed safe and is ideal for our purposes. The staff have been working in the building since Oct. 12th. There are still many things that have to be adressed: electricity, access to water, securing necessary equipment and supplies. It is a critical time in Haiti. It is crucial that we be there to support our staff who, along with so many throughout the country, are facing the challenge of saving lives.
As you are aware, a cholera epidemic is spreading throughout the country. From the International Society for Infectious Diseases:
The cholera outbreak suddenly appeared in small communities along the Artibonite River, 60 miles north of the capital Port-au-Prince, on Oct. 21, 2010. Its origin has not been determined with certainty but the popular belief is that the disease arrived with infected UN soldiers from Nepal. They were stationed in a rural base near the river where the outbreak first started. Cholera is endemic in Nepal whereas Haiti has not had a recorded cholera case in the last 50 years.
The lastest assessment published Nov. 22, 2010 by the Ministry of Public health and Population reported 23,377 hospitalizations since the beginning of the epidemic and 1, 344 deaths. In Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area, 1,618 hospitalizations have been reported since the first case in this area and 77 deaths.
Regardless of how cholera entered Haiti, the fact is that the lack of sanitation, clean water, weather changes, and lack of access to immediate treatment have all conspired to create this crisis. The centers for disease control and the Pan American Health orgaization report that the epidemic in Haiti could easily get worse despite efforts to control it. It is believed that Haiti will have to deal with and treat cholera for many years.
Because of your support, we have been able to send money so that Dr. Joey and our team of health care agents could purchase necessary medicines, IV fluids, and supplies to treat the vicitms of cholera. We have also been able to provide them with educational materials to distribute throughout the community on the prevention and treatment of cholera.
We plan to take more medicines, supplies, IV fluids, water purification tablets, and educational materials with us.
We will be joined on this delegation by two registered Nurses, Sr. Anne McCarthy and Maire St. Ledger. They will join with Johanna, Dr. Joey and the team in Haiti to work at the Kay Lasante clinic and do health education seminars in various communities.We also plan to treat people at the camp for the disabled and elderly in Cite Soleil.
In addition to visits with various friends and co-workers in Haiti, we plan to visit the Pax Christi soccer club run by our friend and co-worker, Daniel Tillias.
We will also be joined by Philadelphia artist Lily Yeh, who will be doing healing art projects with children and adults in the camps and at Kay Lasante. Our Haitian co-workers are most eager to have Lily come and train other Haitian artists in trauma healing art work.
Nov.28th is election day in Haiti. It is an extraordinarily important election. The future of the country rests heavily on the next Administration. Voter turnout is expected to be low. What remains very disturbing and unjust is the fact that there is no representative of the Fanmi Lavalas party, the party of the majority of the people in Haiti - the poor.
As is always the case, what is most near and dear to our hearts is simply to be with people of Haiti, especially at this time. Two of our staff members have lost loved ones in the past week. It seems that there is no end to the suffering and grief visited upon them.
We ask for your prayers for the people Haiti and for us as we journey to be with them during yet another challenging and painful time.
We are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do. Happy Thanksgiving.
Peace,
Johana Berrigan, House of Grace Catholic Worker
Bishop Tom Gumbleton
SUPPORT PROJECT KAY LASANTE WITH AN ONLINE DONATION
Notes on August Trip (Haiti update, August 2010)
by Johanna Berrigan
We returned from Haiti at midnight. This morning, Friday, August 20th, I sat in our spacious, lush garden, allowing the green, beauty and cool morning breezes to welcome me home. As I reflected on one of Thomas Merton's psalm prayers on nature, I couldn't help but feel joy and gratitude for the beauty and morning calm. At the same time, I was aware of this sad, hollow, helpless feeling as I thought in silence: there is more beauty and more food in this small community garden than in any of the encampments that continue to cover every inch of available space in the destroyed city of Port au Prince. READ MORE
 
|
