Since our inception in February, 1998 we have successfully completed 31 two-week medical missions to
LaMontagne, Haiti, which is located northwest of the small city of Jacmel.
The region consists of several small, underdeveloped rural villages, most of which are difficult or impossible to reach by vehicle. The estimated population of the area we serve is 30,000. The people have no other access to comprehensive healthcare. The nearest hospital is located in Jacmel. On foot or by donkey it takes three to four hours to reach the hospital - motorized vehicle travel is 90 minutes to two hours. If someone goes to the hospital they must provide cash prior to receiving treatment, service, or medication. This includes patients who present with life-threatening emergency conditions.
LaMontagne, Haiti, which is located northwest of the small city of Jacmel.
The region consists of several small, underdeveloped rural villages, most of which are difficult or impossible to reach by vehicle. The estimated population of the area we serve is 30,000. The people have no other access to comprehensive healthcare. The nearest hospital is located in Jacmel. On foot or by donkey it takes three to four hours to reach the hospital - motorized vehicle travel is 90 minutes to two hours. If someone goes to the hospital they must provide cash prior to receiving treatment, service, or medication. This includes patients who present with life-threatening emergency conditions.
A triage system founded in 1998, Friends of the Children focuses on:
Providing medical care and minor surgical care each clinic day. A triage system is utilized to prioritize care of the acutely ill and injured patients.
Providing evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, seizures, and psychosis. Emphasis is made on educating each patient on their life-long condition and providing enough medication for six months - the time between our missions. During each mission trip we reevaluate the patient and refill their prescriptions.
Our pregnancy clinic evaluates and educates all women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. We discuss healthy pregnancy practices, birth plans, and dispense pre-natal vitamins. Each new mother is given a birth kit, which includes a receiving blanket and cloth diapers.
We collaborate with, educate and provide supplies to our midwives and Caritas healthcare workers
Each of the mission trips has included 7-12 volunteers including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and some without medical backgrounds. During the two-week visit there are typically eight clinic days and we generally see 2,000-2,500 medical patients.
Providing medical care and minor surgical care each clinic day. A triage system is utilized to prioritize care of the acutely ill and injured patients.
Providing evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, seizures, and psychosis. Emphasis is made on educating each patient on their life-long condition and providing enough medication for six months - the time between our missions. During each mission trip we reevaluate the patient and refill their prescriptions.
Our pregnancy clinic evaluates and educates all women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. We discuss healthy pregnancy practices, birth plans, and dispense pre-natal vitamins. Each new mother is given a birth kit, which includes a receiving blanket and cloth diapers.
We collaborate with, educate and provide supplies to our midwives and Caritas healthcare workers
Each of the mission trips has included 7-12 volunteers including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and some without medical backgrounds. During the two-week visit there are typically eight clinic days and we generally see 2,000-2,500 medical patients.