Haiti Earthquake Status—Update 1
On January 23rd, with the leadership of co-founder Roger Matthews, HOM combined efforts with the Gosder Cherilus Foundation to send 28 people and 1 ½ tons of medicine and supplies to Port-au-Prince to help earthquake victims.
The team included doctors, nurses, paramedics, and translators. They flew to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and traveled 7 hours by bus to Port-au-Prince. The team provided much needed care and supplies - including anesthetics, antibiotics, pain meds, dressings, operating room equipment and supplies, IV fluids, gloves, masks, etc. PAP residents were treated for amputations, infections, labor and delivery, diarrhea and other sicknesses.
Our medical team provided help to the Sainte Therese “tent city” in Petion-Ville and local hospitals including: Hopital de I’OFATMA, Hopital de la Communaute Haitienne, Hopital de la Paix, and one small pediatric clinic.
Two HOM members visited Mirebalais during the trip and assessed earthquake damage there to be minimal. Many people seeking food and shelter are migrating to Mirebalais from Port-au-Prince.
This mission trip and direct aid were made possible through the many generous individual contributions. We wish to thank all involved for making this trip very successful. Many supplies and meds were donated by Sparrow Hospital, World Medical Relief, and Detroit Medical Center Hospitals. Of special note is the on-site help provided by Kim Saint-Victor, cousin of HOM co-founder Dominique Matthews, who provided valuable contacts with the hospitals in PAP. The team returned safely to Detroit on January 28/29.
Plans are underway to send two follow-up teams on March 19-26 to Mirebalais and Port-au-Prince.
Thanks again to all who continue to support our work in Haiti! Your continued prayers are appreciated!
We are extremely sad to report that our co-founder, Roger Matthews, passed away as this trip was in progress. We know he would have been proud of this team and their work. We are determined to carry on his legacy.
