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As gang violence escalates, how is HAH still functioning?
Every day, desperate patients come to Haiti Adventist Hospital (HAH) seeking help not otherwise available. Even if they have a condition potentially treatable in Haiti, they often cannot afford it or may not be able to physically get there due to roadblocks, gang tolls, and disruptions in public transportation.
The most respected private hospital in Port-au-Prince was sabotaged earlier this year. The largest charity hospital in Haiti at Mirebalais was closed several months ago after gangsters and liberated criminals from a nearby prison stormed it. The MSF (Doctors without Borders) hospital in Carrefour, one kilometer away from us, closed several months ago due to security threats. The main public hospital in the city was closed down last year, and several months later, at an attempted reopening ceremony, gunfire erupted, killing police officers and others. The hospital was then set on fire and remains closed.
Violence and suffering in Haiti continue to spiral out of control. Killing, rape, and kidnapping have become so common that they are hardly mentioned on the news. Gang members continue unabated, with few if any repercussions. They are tightening their grip on the Carrefour community, and our employees are living under constant threat, with materials and supplies becoming increasingly difficult to access.
HAH – A place of beauty and peace, love and hope.
Protected by Angels
Providential circumstances and a team of angels no doubt surround our hospital. I cannot explain all of it, nor should we feel that we are more special than others who have been less fortunate. The strong faith and fervent prayers of our Haitian staff, combined with perseverance and a continued team effort, have called forth blessings and protection that go beyond our own accomplishments.
The beauty of nature on the HAH campus reminds us of our Creator and provides a safe haven for people in need of healing.
Several years ago, during much less challenging times, our hospital was in financial trouble, the reputation had declined, and poor patients were being turned away. In many ways the situation at our hospital has improved. Two hundred and fifty employees have jobs, they are paid on time, and people without resources come to the hospital and receive treatment. A sustainable economic model has been created that depends on both local and, to a lesser extent, international resources.
The HAH staff at a recent staff celebration
Continued International Collaboration
Over the past several years, our employees have come to value the benefits of effort and to work with intention and purpose. Although it has not been possible for foreigners to work at the hospital during the past year, our collaboration continues. Throughout the week, early morning Zoom meetings are held, messages are exchanged, and phone calls are scheduled. Connections and team effort are essential for survival.
Recent examples of meeting agenda items include: sourcing parts for maintaining our oxygen generation plant, purchasing anesthesia medications and OR supplies in the Dominican Republic, reimbursing the indigent patient fund for submitted invoices, repairing our ultrasound machine, troubleshooting our electrical equipment and solar power system, and renovating central supply as well as one of our wards.
HAH rehab services continue to set new records in spite of surrounding unrest
New Services and Supplies
Despite challenging times, HAH has recently expanded its service lines! We have recently opened an ENT clinic, ophthalmology service, and urology service. In addition, the dental clinic remains busy and continues to serve many people in need. We also continue with two orthopedic surgeons, a general surgeon, three anesthesiologists, OB/GYN, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency medicine services.
Over the past several months, a great deal of effort was put into sourcing supplies and loading a 40’ shipping container in Southern California. Contents include new gurneys, oxygen canisters, construction materials, medical supplies, hospital furnishings, and a host of items that will be a huge boost to our hospital. Rather than just a container filled with leftovers and donations, this shipment contains 36,000 pounds of carefully selected inventory with many new and high-quality items. I would like to give a big thanks to the LLUSM alumni association for assisting with 50% of the shipping costs for the container. At present, the shipment has arrived in Port-au-Prince and is being cleared by customs. The logistics of getting it from the port to the hospital are not easy, but we are confident that our carefully planned strategy will work out.
We continue to thank all the donors and supporters of this special hospital for your support and assure you that your generosity continues to make a big difference for those who need it most.
Packing a shipping container with medical supplies and other hospital furnishings in Southern California
Thanks to the help of many people, including my friends Tres and Andrew, even a medium-sized mouse would have had difficulty finding space in this tightly packed container!
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Wow I’m amazed at how much you’ve gotten done from CA!!
It’s so encouraging to hear how well the hospital is doing despite the political unrest.
Go Team !!!