You Never Know What You'll Need

I‘ve written earlier of some of the challenges getting supplies to HSC in a timely and organized fashion. Although we have large orders in the pipeline, their arrival is not predictable and often acute needs arise, sometimes for mundane things. In some ways, however, we are extremely self sufficient, and as I was watching hurricanes build in the Atlantic, and the concerns here about hurricane Earl, I considered how we in Milot would respond.

Much of the devastation in Haiti from previous hurricanes (four hit in 2008) has come from the associated mudslides, exacerbated by large areas of clear cutting and building on unreinforced hillsides. I could only imagine how much worse this would be for Port au Prince after the quake. If there is any positive spin, it is that PAP is located on the western side of Hispanol. A direct hit would be unlikely, but even heavy rains could be devastating. Fortunately there have been proactive interventions from humanitarian organizations, such as Oxfam (http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/41562/). Cap Haitian and Milot are of the north end of the island, and would feel strong westerly winds and tides if a storm passed nearby. The hills around Milot are lush with vegetation, and the buildings of the complex, school and town are concrete block, although there are more than a few shanties. Perhaps the most encouraging outcome of the earthquake was the realization that the government could not be relied upon for basic needs or infrastructure. Since January, CRUDEM has constructed a solar powered water filtration system, a freestanding oxygen generator, and has independent power supplies for the compound and hospital to keep the lights on. God forbid, but in the event of a mass casualty incident, the triage lessons from the quake will streamline care prioritization, and the reorganization of the supply warehouses will optimize access to needed resources. Finally, I have no doubt that the staff, both local and volunteer will respond as they always have, with professionalism, energy, and faith.


Oh, and with regard the fulfilling acute needs for supplies not in the pipeline, – I’ll be traveling to Milot with a case of fly strips for the OR. (Our gecko can only eat so much.)