From the moment I saw the email from NAGE regarding SEIU seeking possible volunteers in Haiti. I signed in, jumped and prayed. As a nurse and a human being when that kind of tragedy happen all you want to do is to get involved and help as much as possible. Not only I am Haitian, I will volunteer anywhere at any time. My family understood my decision and did not question it. The next day, I received a phone call from Evelyn Cipriaso, NAGE R 3-19 President at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Baltimore who made possible for to travel to Haiti. I waited one long week to prepare and fill out all the forms. My journey started 1/25/2010 at 0810 to Puerto Rico from there to the Dominican Republic. When arrived in the Dominican Republic I met a physician from Johns Hopkins Emergency team, a reporter, two logistics young men, two other physicians from New York. From there, the IMC van picked us up; and drove us to the hotel. We arrived around 530PM. After eating dinner we showered, rest for few hours and at around 1130 PM. IMC van took us on the journey to Haiti. As we entered the second city in Haiti the earthquake devastation was everywhere. They were rubbles and demolished buildings, makeshift tents made out of sticks and sheets. As we approached the capital, Port au Prince, one cannot imagine the lines of people waiting for medical help and food. We arrived at the General hospital and were greeted by one of the physician in charge; he gave us a tour the facility. Across from the Virgin Mary chapel, the nursing school collapsed with numerous students and all of them perished. I was placed in the emergency room for the afternoon. I remember I was called to insert an IV on a very dehydrated man, he was non verbal and he look very sick, once the IV start infusing this man could not stop asking questions. The next day, an Infectious Disease physician from Gainesville Florida and I both Haitians were sent to a mobile clinic in Petionville. The mobile clinic consists of two areas, one in front of a house and the second area was made from 2 bed sheets and a few sticks. We served approximately 20000 people at an old golf course .We examined approximately 200 patients a day with all kind of illness, mostly dehydration, asthma attacks ,diarrhea, insomnia, stress, skin disorders . For several days, we packed medications and all the supplies that we need to evaluate and care for the sick and wounded. IMC sent a new logistician, he supply us with a tent, 4 tables 2 cots and 10 chairs inside was very hot however we were pleased to provide privacy and dignity to those we were serving. IMC hired two Haitians physicians and several Haitians nurses; we handed over the clinic before leaving however IMC will continue to send physicians and nurses to supervise the overall activities of the clinic.
We were concerned about vaccination since we did not have a place to keep the vaccine cool. We needed a small generator and a fan to keep the place cool. My overall experience was heartbreaking and at the same time, I was very happy and filled with joy for having the opportunity to go there and help.