EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
A devastating earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday, January 12. Along with many others, the Haitian
Development Fund (HDF) waited anxiously for word about friends and colleagues who live in Haiti and work at the
HDF Clinic in Port-au-Prince’s Sarthe neighborhood. After four days, we got word that the Clinic was still standing,
though damaged, and that the Clinic’s doctor, Moise Cely, had been working around the clock to provide medical care
as long as supplies lasted.
The Clinic was one of the few medical facilities in operation at that point in Port-au-Prince and we believe supplies are depleted.
We are currently collecting money to re-supply the Clinic.
How You Can Help
Because we are uncertain which types of supplies will be most urgently needed, the critical need is for money. Donations will be used to purchase the most needed supplies and cover shipping costs to Port-au-Prince. It appears that the Clinic, while still standing, did sustain damage and will likely need repairs. Donated funds will also be used for this purpose. Because HDF is staffed by volunteers and has very few expenses, your donations go directly to the Haitian people.
Post Earthquake Photos
Haitian Development Fund
The Haitian Development Fund grew out of the volunteer efforts of founding board members who worked at Haitian medical missions in 1996. HDF was launched on the financial commitments of our board members and the support of loyal coworkers in Haiti. Individuals and foundations offer the bulk of our financial support. In addition, several healthcare facilities donate in-kind medical goods.
Haiti
Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, with about 80 percent of the population living in poverty. The literacy rate is also the lowest in the region. Because of the pervasive poverty, countless children never receive any formal education. Less than 30 percent of adults are employed. Almost all who do have jobs do not earn a sufficient amount to cover the basic needs of their families. Hunger is a constant part of life for both children and adults.
The Sarthe Neighbourhood
In the Sarthe neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince where the Haitian Development Fund (HDF) operates, the housing is comprised of tiny cinder block and sheet metal structures. Almost all houses have dirt floors and lack interior plumbing or electricity. None of the streets are paved and no sewers exist. It is an environment that breeds a host of diseases. The infant mortality rate is high and the life expectancy rate low. One out of every eight children dies before the age of five.
The Medical Clinic
HDF founded the Sarthe Neighbourhood Medical Clinic with the simple objective of delivering healthcare in a place where it is badly needed. The Clinic treats an average of about 47 clients every day, at an extremely economical charge of about $1.50 per visit. Within the first six years of operations, the Clinic provided over 50,000 patient visits. The clinic is staffed by Haitian medical professionals, led by Dr. Moise A. Cely.
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