J/P HRO (Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization) - "CTU - CHOLERA REHYDRATION CENTER" (SHELTER/MEDICAL CLINIC/SCHOOL)

e-mail dated:
March 30, 2011

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The cholera epidemic in Haiti is FAR from over. Despite reports from the Haitian Ministry of Health and UN agencies that the number of cholera cases and deaths has stabilized, those of us working on the frontlines of cholera response know a grimmer reality. Not only is the infection nationally endemic, Haiti’s rainy season is almost upon us. Because Haiti’s cholera epidemic is the result of terrible sanitation conditions, the heavy rains, flooding, and mudslides Haiti faces in the coming months will severely exacerbate the situation.

As the rains fall, the number of cholera cases will rise. This health disaster has been neglected by the international news media, disappearing from the news shortly after it struck in October. Unfortunately, the disaster has NOT disappeared from Haiti. In five months, a disease that can be both easily treated, and easily cured, has taken over 4,000 lives.

J/P HRO is leading the charge of countless organizations in Haiti currently combating the epidemic. We’ve delivered more than 100 metric tons of clinical medical supplies to every corner of the country, supplying Cholera Treatment Centers (CTC) and units (CTU) in several rural, isolated communities where cholera can be a death sentence. But the J/P HRO cholera response goes well beyond delivering just supplies; our missions provide international volunteer physicians, Haitian medical doctors, and highly trained Haitian health promotion workers to communities who have not encountered international aid in decades, if ever. J/P HRO medical personnel activate these communities towards sustainable means of mitigation, and empower them to end unnecessary deaths due to cholera. Half-day cholera prevention seminars, mobile care clinics, and extensive training on how to use the supplies provided give the Haitian people in these communities a fighting chance.

J/P missions target remote villages and towns where often the nearest paved road is farther than a day’s walk, if it can be reached by foot at all. Therefore, the only way to assist these communities is by air, and since December 2010 J/P HRO has partnered with the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) fleet of MI-8 helicopters to serve these devastated populations. Collaborating with the UN gave us free and unlimited access to helicopters. But the perception that cholera has stabilized and is no longer a threat is now threatening the very people who are in greatest need. UNHAS has not been able to secure funding, and UN helicopter missions will be discontinued March 31st. In light of losing such a crucial resource, the need to fund helicopter missions to remote areas in Haiti is more critical than ever.

Please take the time to read about everything J/P HRO is doing in Haiti and donate to our cause. Your money will go directly towards improving the lives of Haitians and building a sustainable future for Haiti.

Thanks for all you do.

Sean Penn / CEO

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See website for update on Cholera response details.

NEEDS LIST FOR CHOLERA RESPONSE:

Ringers Lactate 1000cc IV bags
IV Fluids
Oral Rehydration Salts
24 gauge needle IV sets
CHUX or absorbent bed pads
Pedialyte
Personal Protective Gear (Gowns/Masks)
Stool Sample Containers
Doxycline 300 mg tabs

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CTU/UTC Contact: medical @ jphro.org

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SOURCE: http://www.pitchengine.com/jp-haitian-relief-organization-and-the-minist%C3%A8re-de-la-sant%C3%A9-publique-et-de-la-population-respond-to-the-cholera-epidemic/106932/

J/P Haitian Relief Organization and The Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population Respond to the Cholera Epidemic

12.03.2010– PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI -- J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO) and The Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP) have launched a comprehensive mission to assess ongoing medical and human resources needs and deliver supplies in response to Haiti’s cholera epidemic. The activity is being conducted nationwide in strategic partnership with Partners In Health (PIH), with particular emphasis on the ongoing epidemic in isolated rural areas. This collaboration will target centers treating cholera throughout Haiti, and effectively direct human and material resources to these locations.

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Crystal - Volunteer Coordinator jpvolunteer @ jphro.org

If you are an EMT volunteer gigs related to Cholera treatment with J/P HRO, you can register at:

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6591/signup_page/medic-vol1

BE SURE TO SPECIFY YOUR INTEREST IN HELPING WITH THE CHOLERA EPIDEMIC!!

JP is seeking licensed health care professionals to assist in staffing various cholera clinics near Port-au-Prince. We are working with Partner's In Health who have requested the need for additional help. Many hands are needed and the work is challenging. We are accepting EMT's whose experience would be helpful in keeping IV lines checked, Paramedics who can administer IV's and of course RNs and MDs.

We will house, feed, transport, provide translators and keep safe all who sign in with JP. We have limited space, so at the very least, we will refer our applicants directly to other organizations.

Please note that working with cholera patients requires a level of care that compassionately understands the limitations of working in Haiti. The conditions are raw and viewed primitive at times because of inadequate resources. One should be in good physical health, come with egos checked at home and hearts that will embrace the suffering.

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Petionville Club Golf Course - 2010 Haiti Earthquake (Supported by J/P HRO)
https://ccc.haghy.com/shelters/5056