Mombin Crochu, Haiti — January 17-23, 2020

Report from VPI’s recent trip to Mombin Crochu

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12

It was evident on this trip that the work being done in Mombin Crochu, both by VPI and PCPC as well other groups, is impacting the community significantly. The people of the community are moving forward, with improvement evident on many levels, as they take ownership and pride in the programs they are involved with.

Click to view a slideshow of pictures from the trip!

The work being done here is changing lives, and the care within the hospital itself is ongoing.

The Water Project has impacted, and will continue to impact, lives for the future, long after we have gone.

The Malnutrition Program is impacting lives of the most vulnerable infants and children in the community, contributing life-saving nutrition and support.

The commitment of the doctors and the administration to help these people was evident, and their compassion and for those who are suffering in their community is a testimony of their faith and their strength. With help it was felt they will do all that is possible to provide programs for care and intervention.

The facility has been upgraded and significant important and excellent work has been done to repair deficiencies previously noted (ex; leaking roof, electrical, water, screens) by the facilities manager. The grounds are clean, the building freshly painted, and a new incinerator has been installed. Additional patient rooms have been built by MSPP to house patients and serve as classrooms for educational programs.

This trip re-enforced the belief that God is at work in Mombin Crochu, and it is a privilege to be part of this journey.
We commend the hard work of those at Mombin Crochu Hospital, and all they they are doing for those so in need.

Details

Participants

• Rev. John DeBevoise
• Sylvia Campbell MD
• Jeanne Gres CRNA
• Gail Sadler ARNP
• Rosie Abbs RN
• Jean Neptune RN
• Deborah McFadden RN
• Tamara Joseph RN
• Terry Deal MS’
• Ron O’Neal DDS
• Lucy Abbs OT

Procedures Performed

• Glasses: 120 Mobile Clinic
• Medical: 178 patients seen
• Medical Mobile Clinic: 40
• Surgical: 17 procedures performed
• Dental: 35 patients; 40 extractions; 40 fillings
• Dental Mobile Clinic: 3 extractions; educational instruction and toothbrush distribution
• Medications delivered: Over $1000 in prescription drugs, vitamins with over 500 prescriptions filled

Program Evaluation

Clean water initiative

• 95 clean water sources/cisterns have been built delivering safe clean water to over 36 communities, affecting over 42,000 people.
• Latrines have been built in many of the villages.
• Water borne disease in areas where clean water is available has dropped to minimal amounts, including cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, and childhood diarrhea

Nutrition Program

1. The Monthly Malnutrition Screening and Educational Outreach for the area was attended in Grande Savane by Rev. Debevoise, Terry Deal and Jean Neptune,
   where 150 infants were screened. Over 300 people were present for the educational and vaccination program, followed by a nutritious meal for all families who attended. The program appeared to be functioning extremely well as a joint effort of MSPP, Mombin Crochu Hospital and VPI, and is reaching the most vulnerable in the outlying areas
2. A meeting was held with the hospital director, administrator and the head nurse
   to discuss the successes and deficiencies of the program, with the data for the last quarter being submitted. The need for transportation to decrease the rate of “abandonment” as well as the need for internet access and support were discussed and will be incorporated into the budget for the upcoming year. The current budget is $27,840/year.

Rev. John DeBevoise

Meetings:

1. Attended Pastors Association general meeting, with distribution of funds to purchase bibles for 400 people from PCPC
2. Meeting with Pastors Association Widows Care Group
3. Meeting with High School Principal
4. Meeting with Hospital Administration (Terry Deal and Jean Neptune)

Hospital Support

1. Distribution of supplies sent via container for Mombin Crochu Hospital (funded by Jeanne Gres)
2. Distribution of Mobile Clinic Health Packets
3. Distribution of supplies to multiple hospitals
4. OT treatment/teaching instruction for patients with cerebral palsy, lower extremity deformities and hand injury
5. Creation of a brace for hip dysplasia as well as mobility device for child

Future Concerns

1. Sustaining/expanding the water project and the nutrition program
2. Encourage new groups to come for medical as well as support for the ongoing programs
3. Continued funding of the hospital and the work that it is doing