How To Volunteer in Haiti

I've had some readers inquire about opportunities to travel to Haiti, so tonight, I'm posting some information on the groups who are sending volunteers to Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti (HAH) in Carrefour, Haiti. I traveled with the Global Health Institute through Loma Linda University (LLU) in California. Also, groups of volunteers came through Cure International. Both groups coordinate transportation to and from the airport and housing arrangements. While the Orthopedic need is great, so are the needs for OB/Gyn with a very busy OB and NICU service, Emergency, General Surgery, Plastic surgery, Hospitalists, Infectious Disease and wound care, Pediatrics. PAs and NPs will definitely be put to good use. Even spouses with limited or no medical skills are welcome as there are huge needs for organization of central supply, pharmacy, meal distribution, and maintenance including plumbing and electrical amongst other things. While any single person cannot make a dent in the needs, together, great things are being accomplished and lives are being saved. The needs are great and will be ongoing for months and years to come, so consider giving a week of your time to the people of Haiti. It will impact you for life.

CURE International: Their main website is www.cureinternational.org However, if you have interest in volunteering at HAH in Haiti, contact Heather Hunter at hhunter@cureinternational.org

Since I personally did not travel with CURE, I do not have a lot of details about their arrangements. CURE arranged volunteer housing either in a nearby hotel or at the hospital and all transportation. LLU did provide volunteers with a travel insurance policy, housing at the hospital, transportation, and details for planning your travel and packing lists, vaccinations, etc.

LLU Global health institute:

http://www.lluglobal.com/site/c.msKRL6PNLrF/b.5767965/k.B2B8/Haiti.htm

AHI/LLU | Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Haiti Response

Loma Linda University (LLU) and our partners are working to support the Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti in Port-au-Prince. LLU is not alone in these efforts. Together we are pooling our resources and working closely with Park Ridge Adventist Hospital/AHS, Florida Hospital, CURE International, Life Enhancement Association for People (LEAP), and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

* The need for additional medical teams continues, but as we move forward the composition of these teams will change to reflect current needs at the hospital. Keep in mind the needs change almost daily.
* As of April 20, 2010, the "Dream Team" includes:
o 1-2 Orthopaedic Surgeons
o 1 General Surgeon
o 1-2 Anesthesiologists (MDs and CRNAs)
o 1-2 ER Physicians
o 1-2 Pediatricians
o 4-8 RNs of whom 2-4 with OR and ER experience
o 1-2 Physical Therapists and/or Occupational Therapists
o 2 Pharmacists
o 2+ Central Supply Personnel
o 2 Utilities and Maintenance Personnel
* We also welcome applications from OB-GYNs, PAs,NPs and other health care professionals. We would like to keep the number of our teams to about 25-30 people on any given week.
* The teams will work at the Adventist Hospital.
* The current strategy is to send in teams for at least a 9 day cycle (Teams arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday.) A longer term of service is preferred.
* LLU will maintain and manage the schedule of the various teams and provide them with information about their trip and tips about what to bring, etc.