Presbyterians Provide Assistance for Medical Services in Haiti

Louisville, KY: January 26, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is set to provide $200,000 from funds designated for Haiti to the Hôpital Sainte Croix (Holy Cross Hospital) and the Faculte des Sciences Infirmiere l'Universite Episcopale d'Haiti (FSIL) nursing school in Leogane.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the emergency and refugee program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

The core budget, including staff and administrative costs, is funded through the One Great Hour of Sharing, and its program work is additionally funded through designated gifts.

PDA enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events.

According to a PDA news release, Hôpital Sainte Croix -- a historical Presbyterian-supported hospital in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti -- has served as the primary medical facility in Leogane and is the teaching facility for the nearby FSIL nursing school.

The release states: "It has been a center for compassionate Christian care in Leogane for decades. The nursing school has been a beacon of hope in an impoverished area, providing opportunities for young people to prepare for careers in service to their communities. It is the only baccalaureate nursing program in Haiti and the only four-year nursing school that admits male students."

In response to the January 12, 2010, earthquake, the FSIL nursing students have established 10 emergency care units throughout Leogane under the direction of school's Dean.

The news release says:"The grounds of the nursing school have become a triage area, with thousands of patients and other people living outdoors on the grounds. Student nurses are providing all levels of service.

"Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and a team from Japan are now working at the nursing school, but it is anticipated that they will remain in Leogane for a limited period of time."

The PDA release adds: "The tragedy of the earthquake has created critical needs. An estimated 90 percent of the city of Leogane was destroyed in the quake. With large populations now departing Port-au-Prince for the country, it is anticipated that Leogane -- a city of about 50,000, will become more populated with the displaced people. It is crucial to get electricity, plumbing, water and sanitation in this place as soon as possible to provide emergency care."

PDA says Holy Cross Hospital is damaged but still standing; it is the only medical facility in the Leogane area to provide a site to perform emergency procedures, such as surgical, amputations and deliveries. There is much rampant infection in this area and the hospital is needed for intravenous antibiotic administration. Without electricity and plumbing, the minimum amount of care will not be available for victims of this quake.

Funds from PDA will be used to purchase and provide the following for the hospital: electrical power and distribution systems, water pump, storage and distribution system, sanitary sewage lines and sewage containment and disposal system, diesel generator and fuel for diesel generators and vehicles.