Safe Haven, Hospice and Guesthouse Report
Sisters of St. Joseph
Port au Prince, Haiti
June 30, 2007
Since its founding, the staff at Hospice St. Joseph has been dedicated to walking in solidarity with the poor. Haiti is a land of massive poverty, malnutrition, disease, illiteracy, unemployment, and environmental change. Historically plagued by military coups and police oppression, Haitians are now engaged in a desperate struggle for democracy. A people of enormous endurance and hope, as well as deep practical faith, Haitians count on the prayers and the help of others.
Sisters of St. Joseph
Port au Prince, Haiti
June 30, 2007
Since its founding, the staff at Hospice St. Joseph has been dedicated to walking in solidarity with the poor. Haiti is a land of massive poverty, malnutrition, disease, illiteracy, unemployment, and environmental change. Historically plagued by military coups and police oppression, Haitians are now engaged in a desperate struggle for democracy. A people of enormous endurance and hope, as well as deep practical faith, Haitians count on the prayers and the help of others.
The medical clinic at Hospice St. Joseph has seen several critical patients in recent months. Six surgeries were performed between December 2006 and May 2007. Among these six surgeries were three hysterectomies, each in response to a diagnosis of cancer. An emergency Caesarian section was performed in December. The doctors removed a malignant tumor from a fifth patient and the sixth patient had a debilitating hernia repaired.
One challenge is that it has been difficult to anticipate the frequency and severity of the demand for surgical interventions in the population served by the clinic. Mid year 2006, the clinic was overwhelmed by the need. They have adopted a strategy to request and set aside funds specifically for the purpose of emergency surgical interventions. Further the clinic has implemented a formal policy which assists doctors in assessing and prioritizing needs of patients.
Rising costs, particularly for hospital services and medication, continue to be a major challenge.
Hospice St. Joseph continues to seek funding from a variety of sources to address this critical need and sustain the services offered. They have developed two new relationships with hospitals in Port-au-Prince who have agreed to provide surgeries at lower costs than what the clinic has been experiencing. The desire is to be able to provide funds for necessary surgical interventions each time the clinic is presented with that need.
After recovering from their surgeries, three of the patients returned to Hospice for follow up with our clinic doctors. Before leaving they stopped to visit with our Executive Director to express their appreciation for the support that Hospice had provided. They graciously allowed him to take the digital photo presented below. Their smiles will complete this report.
Prepared by: Office of Resource Development
Global Ministries
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Tel: (317) 713-2555
Fax: (317) 635-4323
Email:
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