Physicians for Peace

A Community Coming Together for Haiti

Thursday, March 11, 2010 by Walking Free

This is a great story of a community coming together for an event.

Crutches and Canes for Haiti a great Success!

by Shawn Carolan-Abell

Thanks to this wonderful community and to everyone who participated, the drive last month to collect Crutches for Haiti was a great success! The total amount collected was 134 pairs of crutches, 61 canes, 3 quad canes, 2 forearm crutches, 3 black boots for foot injury, 3 walking sticks and two prosthetic legs! All donations were sent to Physicians for Peace warehouse in Virginia, and then on to Haiti.

Physicians for Peace designed the Walking Free Program to assist amputees by establishing sustainable prosthetic and rehabilitation centers, not only in Haiti but in developing nations worldwide. They are the only prosthetic and orthotic clinic fully up and running in Haiti since the earthquake. The new location is at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital.

It just amazes me how well this drive went, in that everything that needed to happen just fell into place, thanks to so many kind and caring people who offered their help along the way.

Thank you so much to the following businesses and people:

I would not have gotten to square one without the outstanding generosity of our local United Parcel Service, especially Gerry Snider and Dave Ringstrom who arranged to ship the multitude of large boxes at no charge; Catch a Canoe for all of those perfect bike boxes and Jason Biggie for his compassion and energy posting flyers all over Mendocino and getting the word out in Comptche; Kat Biggie for improving on the flyers; Andy and Connie Taylor who traveled to Albion, Elk and Anderson Valley posting flyers; Beth Szychowski for posting flyers in FB; Tom and Penny Honer for providing Harvest Market as a collection point; Rossi’s for lending the great red collection cans; Pastor Greg at Grace Memorial for the first five pairs of crutches; to Hospice thrift store for donating four pairs; Ray Hino at MCDH for the box of new arm pads; Paul Hansen at KZYX, and KOZT for the radio spots; Cathleen Crosby for her energy, all her work and immediate response in coordinating the excellent drive in Gualala; Dwane Ray for picking up the crutches in Gualala, delivering them to my house, and getting the word out to Rotary Club and Fort Bragg; Cindy Lemas and to the Lions Club and Todd Gryzwana for purchase costs for tape, new arm pads and hand grips so every pair of crutches sent were in excellent condition; Mendocino Pharmacy whose help has been immense in obtaining new arm pads and hand grips; Village Toy store for the sticker books to attach to the pediatric crutches; Cheryl Bloom for taking great pictures.

Take a look at these beautiful crutches:

Why Many Amputees Have to Endure a Second Surgery

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Walking Free

Numerous amputation surgeries that were performed immediately after the earthquake in Haiti were done in tent hospitals under candlelight in order to save lives. It’s understandable that these amputations were not up to the medical standards of prosthetic fittings for later in time. To compound the problem, Haiti lost two well established amputee clinics from the earthquake, but Hanger Orthopedic Group and its partners, including Physicians for Peace, quickly established the Haitian Amputee Coalition Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center to aid the amputee population. The clinic opened in late February and after its first full week of operation, had already fit 20 amputees with below the knee prostheses. Unfortunately, some of the emergency surgeries in the field require additional surgery before a prosthetic can be fit. While the medical staff are explaining to the amputee and their family members why they need additional surgery, more and more amputees are lining up with hope to be walking again.

In addition, the dire need for physical therapy for patients who received amputations has become more apparent. With no access to rehabilitation services, many of these people are already starting to experience tightness in their muscles that could lead to irreversible contractures, making joints unusable. Physicians for Peace Physical Therapy volunteers are beginning to address these medical cases and training the patients and their families on the importance of using the limb muscles to strengthen them for an eventual prosthetic. A new Physical Therapy mission will leave for Haiti in late March.

These amputees would have had very little or no chance of walking again without the work accomplished by the new Haitian Amputee Coalition. Their work has been possible as a result of your recent support.

Later this week, we will be sharing a patient story from Haiti…

Wearing Jeans for Haiti

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 by Walking Free

Goodman & Company's Norfolk office started a Physicians for Peace movement in response to the recent Haiti earthquake.

Last week, we received a phone call from Goodman & Company, the fourth largest certified public accounting firm in the Mid-Atlantic, with some news which they wanted to present to us in person.

As you can imagine, accounting firms run a pretty tight ship and that includes a very professional dress code. A select few days out of the year, Goodman & Company allows its employees to have a "dress down" jeans day in recognition of a community effort or cause. Employees who donate to the cause are allowed to wear jeans for the day. The idea to help the disabled in Haiti through a donation to Physicians for Peace was introduced by the Norfolk office and spread like wildfire to each of the company’s locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The movement was so phenomenal, Goodman and Company offered to match dollar for dollar their employee contributions.

This past Friday, Thomas H. Wilson, CPA, Goodman & Company’s Managing Partner came to our office to present Physicians for Peace with a very large check (no kidding - see picture below) valued at $21,000. More than 200 individual donations were made, totaling over $10,000. Some Goodman & Company clients even who also participated in the fund drive. Watch our short video clip of the check presentation.

Again, another story of good people mobilizing to make real, positive impact. Thank you Goodman and Company!

(click to play)

Utilizing Social Work for Future Missions

Friday, February 19, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Not every mission is going to make the headlines in national news, but our trip to Ethiopia uncovered important information for future missions of any volunteer organization providing health services in Ethiopia.

Physicians for Peace (PFP) is working with Family Health International (FHI) to assess how to better utilize volunteers in community outreach training programs. A team of two medical volunteers, Peg Matsen, a Public Health nurse from Delaware and Evelyn Tomaszewski, with the National Association of Social Workers, left on Saturday for a fact finding mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Their mission objective is to visit FHI programs and then identify needs that can be met through current Physicians for Peace programs - in particular, focusing on maternal and child health and an overall objective of incorporating volunteers.

Peg and Evelyn arrived in Addis Ababa and are texting us to say that all has gone off to a good start. Here is a synopsis of their recent report:

"The mission is significant to us both for our partnership with Family Health International as well for its incorporating social workers.

Returning to Ethiopia after 5 years, I see much improvement in society structure here. I know the "nurses" assigned to programs here are expected to handle everything. But I see with the Social Workers being graduated from the Addis Ababa University here that social work can now be more fully expanded, strengthen, and utilized.

We were met at the main office of HIV/AIDS Prevention Care & Support Organization (HAPSCO) by more than ten nurse supervisors and four Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) officers and the Home and Community Based Care (HCBC) program coordinator, Ato Tadios, and as a group, had a discussion about their work and what trainings in psycho-social issues they would find most helpful. They shared great ideas and issues most relevant to them at this time:

• conflict resolution

• communication skills

• counseling techniques

• depression and anxiety for those living w/ HIV / AIDS

• child counseling for those who have lost parents

• child development and stages thru age 18 yrs

• reducing burnout

• evaluating and measuring success

• concept of volunteerism

At the end of our session/discussion, a member spokesperson expressed their deep gratitude for all the help you have provided to them. It was the biggest heart felt "Thank You" I have heard in a long time. You [Physicians for Peace] are a great leader and your staff and beneficiaries feel your understanding of their work and greatly appreciate your technical support."

This social work initiative here in Ethiopia has great possibilities and the social work trainings proposed through FHI and PFP collaboration will make a difference in how these services can be provided. We will keep you posted on this fact finding mission.

Willoughby Elementary Students Raise $394 in Unique Fundraiser

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Walking Free

Almost every day we hear stories of various fundraisers, collection drives, and mobilization of people in support of Haiti. One of our most unusual fundraisers was right here in our home town area of Norfolk, VA.

Physicians for Peace received a check for $394.94 raised by the students of Willoughby Elementary in response to the earthquake in Haiti. Their fundraiser was to lock their principal, Sharon Phillips, in ‘jail’ until she could be bailed out by the students. The students then had to pay $1.00 towards her "bail" fund to visit her jail decorated office, which included a little hole to pop her head out. Of course, the children and the teachers had a great time with this fundraiser and the $394.94 surpassed their goal to reach $300.00 to release her from jail.

Willoughby Elementary Students Fundraiser Raised over $394 for Haiti Cause

Please, please, share your stories and pictures with us. We love putting them on our Facebook and tweeting it to get the word out about our wonderful supporters.

Physicians for Peace Donates over $53,000 Towards Rebuilding Haiti

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Walking Free

Shortly after the earthquake ripped open the heart of Haiti, Physicians for Peace responded with a fundraising drive to support its two partners in Haiti, both of which were reduced to rubble. This week, Physicians of Peace sent checks of almost $27,000 each directly to Healing Hands for Haiti and St. Vincent's School for Handicapped. These funds represented the donations collected by Physicians for Peace in the direct aftermath of the earthquake and were intended for immediate relief operations in Haiti.

Prior to the devastating earthquake, there were an estimated 800,000 disabled people in Haiti. This population was disproportionately underserved and in many cases, shunned as outcasts. To meet the needs of Haiti’s disabled, Physicians for Peace, a Norfolk, VA-based nonprofit that provides medical training for health care providers in the developing world, began working in Haiti in 2005 as part of its Walking Free program—one of a very limited number of agencies with a sustainable track record in Haiti working with amputees.

Physicians for Peace has now strategically shifted its focus from the initial relief operations to the long term rebuilding effort in support of Haiti's disabled population. All cash and material donations will be used as part of Physicians for Peace’s Walking Free program in Haitito organize, train and supply prosthetic and orthotic production and training facilities.

Walking Free—An Initiative of Hope for Haiti’s Disabled

Amputee and celebrity Heather Mills publicly launched the campaign on Larry King Live. Physicians for Peace also enlisted the aid of Hanger Orthotics and Prosthetics, the nation’s largest manufacturer, to use its 670+ sites across the nation as collection points. Dozens of cities, agencies and companies are now sponsoring local drives and Physicians for Peace has become the “go to” agency to donate desperately needed mobility equipment. Our 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse is now overflowing, and we have partnered with Arpin Van Linesand Hampton Roads Moving and Storage for additional storage capacity. These items will be shipped via container to Haiti over the coming weeks.

Physicians for Peace has formed two coalitions to ensure that amputee victims of the earthquake will soon walk again and play an active role in Haiti’s recovery. The first alliance is the Hispaniola Prosthetics and Orthotics Education Coalition with Healing Hands for Haiti and the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics-US. Healing Hands for Haiti has been our long-term partner in the devastated capital city Port-au-Prince and is settin up temporary (and eventually, permanent) work space in the city and will soon be able to begin prosthetic production. There are vital equipment, medical supplies and professional medical volunteers we need to send. With your generous donations, we can mobilize these efforts quickly.

Second, recognizing that considerable activity is focused in the capital city, Physicians for Peace has joined Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc., Shepherd Spinal Center, and the Harold & Kayrita Anderson Family Foundation to launch the “Haitian Amputee Coalition” to support the central plateau region. This coalition is creating a long-term prosthetic production center at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, an undamaged local hospital 60 miles from Port-au-Prince.

You can help Haiti’s disabled.

Your monetary donations will help restore the production, training and rehabilitation infrastructure for Haiti’s disabled and will give Physicians for Peace the leverage to adequately organize, train and supply our Walking Free program.

Thank you for all you have already done for the people in Haiti and for supporting our work.

Occupational/physical therapists craned their necks to participate!

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Walking Free

Josephine Bundoc tells us in her report the excitement and overflowing participation on the second Prosthetics and Orthotics Convention in the Philippines.

It was truly overwhelming to see the enthusiasm of the attendees during our 2nd prosthetics and orthotics convention. Limited by space and with only Nancy Hylton capable of showing how the special orthosis for children is fabricated, the technicians and occupational/physical therapists craned their necks, stood on tabletops and chairs to get a view of the entire process!

We had 130 registrants on the day one lectures and despite limiting the number to 50 for the day two workshop, we could not deny those who came all the way from Mindanao (Iligan, Zamboanga, Cagayan DE Oro, Davao ) and Visayas ( Bacolod, Cebu ). All together, we had 85!

It is not a surprise, therefore, that Nancy Hylton not only donated to Physicians for Peace sensory enhancement garments and orthosis but also fulfilled her promise of tapping Cascades (Europe based plastics company) to donate plastics plus send a CPO to teach our local technicians proper use and handling of the plastics for functional and well-fitted ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) for our disabled children!

Together with her assistant, Ruth Doane, they pushed through a full week of activities with relentless energy and full of inspiration! They conducted aquatherapy sessions with the physical therapists on their 3rd day, had a full morning sharing session with parents of disabled children on their 4th day, and conducted training/treatment activities at Philippine Children's Medical Center on their 5th day - and left for USA on the 6th day!

Wow .... Nancy must have really been touched by the appreciation of the parents and the zest for learning by the therapists because she actually arrived in Manila with joint pains (she has Rheumatoid Arthritis) and was on antibiotics (for a recurrent infection). Yet, she hurdled the lectures at Clark and PGH and the workshops unfazed with still 100% vigor to sing the karaoke and dance during the post-convention night out!

Once again...this would not be possible without your continuing support! And...we are sincerely very thankful for the assistance !

A little background:

On July 14-16th 2008, Physicians for Peace, together with the Department of Othopedics and the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of the Philippines, Manila Health Science Campus, sponsored the first National Convention on Prostheses for Amputees. The three day conference was attended by over 180 doctors, physical therapists, prosthetists, medical students, and patients who demonstrated how working together can improve the treatment process for amputees.

2nd Annual Prosthetic and Orthotic Convention

Hope for Haiti’s Disabled

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by Walking Free

I wanted to let you know what your Physicians for Peace has been doing since the earthquake that has so devastated Haiti.

When the earthquake struck, we acted quickly. Fully recognizing that we are not first responders, we began working with other agencies that were, including Partners In Health.

We also began a fund-raising appeal in direct support of rebuilding efforts for our two partners, St. Vincent’s School and Healing Hands, located in Port-au-Prince, and have already collected in excess of $50,000. Both agencies obviously suffered huge loss of property and lives.

But we also knew that once the relief and recovery efforts were nearing completion, our Walking Free program (established in Haiti by Physicians for Peace in 2005) would be well-positioned to help reconstruct, rebuild, and retrain. Haiti’s disabled population has obviously now grown exponentially and the needs are overwhelming. So in addition to the fund-raising appeal (which has now shifted from the immediate needs of St. Vincent’s School and Healing Hands to a more long-term rebuilding effort) we launched a campaign to collect not only desperately needed cash, but also launched a local campaign to collect prostheses, wheel chairs, crutches and other mobility devices we know will be essential to helping Haiti’s disabled.

The media and community responses were overwhelming. The local CBS affiliate held a “telethon” on our behalf and in collaboration with Old Dominion University College of Health Sciences, we held our first collection drive. Above to the left, you can see the work being done by PFP staff, volunteers and ODU students. The response was staggering, nearly 300 cars, trucks and vans dropped off much needed equipment.

One of our long term Walking Free partners has been Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, the nation’s leading provider. For the past ten years, we have been working with this nationwide company. Hanger and its foundation generously donated $12,500 in cash and nearly $200,000 in equipment. They are also collecting donated prostheses at more than 670 Hanger facilities throughout the U.S. (If you or you know someone who would like to donate, for a Hanger location near you).

International star and charity activist Heather Mills has now partnered with us. An amputee herself, she is using her star power to help us raise awareness for our limb drives across the U.S. She appeared on Larry King Live and really helped us start a nationwide movement to collect prostheses.

America has really stepped up to our challenge to collect mobility devices for Haiti’s disabled. Above to the right is a picture of our 10,000 square foot warehouse—literally overflowing.

In the coming weeks, we will pull together the team of medical specialists to take their teaching and clinical skills to Haiti to help rebuild the lives. The need is obvious and our long-term commitment is unwavering. We appreciate the continued support we are getting and are thankful to the many volunteers and donors who have been so helpful during this time of crisis for our friends in Haiti.

Sincerely,

Brigadier General Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.), President and CEO

TowneBank Offers Employee Matching Gift in Support of Physicians for Peace

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Physicians for Peace is pleased to announce the recent employee matching gift offered by TowneBank. The Chairman and CEO, G. Robert Aston, Jr., stated in his company announcement, "You don’t have to look far to see the devastation in Haiti. We have all watched the events unfold in the media and asked ourselves, “What can we do to help?” Many are quick to recall events like Hurricane Katrina, or even closer to home, Hurricane Isabel. It is heartbreaking to see the destruction and need at the center of the chaos."

The TowneBank Foundation will match employee gifts in support of Physicians for Peace, up to $7,500. TowneBank will be accepting employee and director donations through February 19, 2010 at which time they will match the donation and give the money to Physicians for Peace to continue their efforts in Haiti.

Thank you TowneBank and employees for showing extraordinary compassion when disaster strikes. Your contributions will support our Walking Free program in Haiti, and provide amputee victims of the earthquake the chance to take an active role in building Haiti’s future.

Cardi's Furniture Store & Arpin Van Lines Join Physicians for Peace to Support Haiti Relief

Monday, February 8, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Our Haiti effort continues at a fairly frenetic pace—particularly as we continue to receive Gifts in Kind donations from around the nation. We have collected 1250+ sets of crutches, 175+ wheelchairs, 500+ walkers and a warehouse full of materials high on the priority list for Haiti’s disabled. In fact, we have reached the capacity of our 10,000 square foot warehouse. But a solution is hand.

Adding to our growing partnerships, Arpin Van Lines, a Rhode Island-based, family owned industry leader and the nation’s fifth largest moving company, has now partnered with PFP and is providing additional warehouse space for us—at no charge—in their Chesapeake, VA warehouse. Additionally, they are providing us all the necessary shipping materials, to include specially designed boxes and the appropriate packing material, to help us ship items like wheelchairs, which are more difficult to pack for transport.

They’ve also joined with a regional furniture store, Cardi’s, also a family owned company in Rhode Island to collect and transport more materials on our behalf.

Watch their 2 minute TV spot at: Cardi's Furniture Store & Arpin Van Lines Join Physicians for Peace to Support Haiti Relief

The catastrophe in Haiti continues to unravel. Our ongoing efforts will help rebuild their lives. Find out how you can help.

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Ellen Libby

This is just one of thousands of stories portraying the devastation in Haiti. Yes, the support has been overwhelming but we must continue to help bring light and hope to those who are in need of medical aide.

A volunteer surgeon shares his experiences in Haiti and the ultimate shock of discovering there is no water, no basic technology, or equipment in the hospitals. Read this excerpt of his story about doctors building their makeshift operating rooms with no electricity, limited surgical equipment, and they still managed to save lives.

Original Message from:

Dean G. Lorich, M.D.

Associate Director

Orthopaedic Trauma Service

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:11:38

Subject: Haiti

"I believe we went in with a reasonable comprehensive service plan. We wanted to provide acute trauma care in an orthopedic disaster. Our plan was to be at a hospital where we could utilize our abilities as trauma surgeons to treat the acute injuries involved in an orthopedic disaster. We expected many amputations, however, we came prepared with a philosophy that we would reasonably start limb salvage in what we thought was a salvageable limb.

Our equipment including a huge amount of anesthetic medications and equipment, operating room equipment including scalpels etc, OR soft goods, splint material, and prep material.

We also had a plan of physician and equipment replacement that was dynamic where within 24hrs we could bring in what was necessary on a private jet.

We thought the plan was a good one. We were incredibly naïve.

Disaster management on the ground was nonexistent. We started out Friday morning, got a slot to get in Friday evening that was eventually cancelled when we were on the runway to be rescheduled the next day. We diverted to the Dominican Republic and planned on arriving in Port-au-Prince Saturday.

The General Hospital was severely damaged in the earthquake and was not capable of running a functioning OR as there was no running water and only a limited electrical supply on generator.

We quickly took our second option - Community Hospital of Haiti. We found approximately 750 patients in the hospital. Upon our initial evaluation, the hospital had running water, electricity and two functional OR's. We did not expect that two anesthetic machines would not work, there would be only one cautery for the hospital, no sterile saline, and no local staff - only a ragtag group of voluntary health providers who like us had made it there on there own.

We also previously had seen daylight in the remaining patients Monday night after having completed approximately 100 surgeries. However on Tuesday morning we found another crowd of new patients. The hospital was forced to undergo lockdown, closing its gates to prevent entry of additional patients.

We also noted Tuesday morning that many of the patients we were operating on were becoming septic. We finished operating that afternoon with the last surgery assisting an obstetrician on a caesarian and resuscitating a baby that was not breathing.

To summarize it all - we had no clue the medical infrastructure of the country was so poor."

Physicians for Peace is sending medical volunteers in partnership with Operation Smile, Inc. in response to the critical need for medical and surgical care for victims in Haiti. You can help by giving a person the ability to walk again with a prosthetic limb donation or provide support to our relief efforts and medical training missions in Haiti by donating online. To find out the many ways you can contribute to our medical volunteer work, please visit us on the web at Physicians for Peace.

RSVP for Haiti Call

Monday, January 25, 2010 by Ellen Libby

(This blog originally appeared at www.one.org)

Big news: Next Tuesday (Jan. 26), ONE will host an interactive conference call to talk about Haiti and what we can do.

Joining ONE President & CEO David Lane on the call will be Rep. Maxine Waters, a debt relief champion and driving force for legislative solutions; former Senate Majority Leader Dr. Bill Frist, a trained surgeon just returned from operating in a Haitian field hospital; Dr. Joia Mukherjee, medical director for Partners in Health, who is in Haiti right now; and David Meltzer, senior vice president for International Services for the American Red Cross, also just back from Haiti.

On the call we’ll talk about the crisis, the rebuilding, and the long-term development solutions. You can RSVP here to join us Tuesday evening at 8PM EST.

Collection Drive for the Disabled a Great Success!

Monday, January 25, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Yesterday’s event exceeded everyone’s expectation. We estimate more than 250 cars dropped off donations at our Old Dominion University site. From yesterday’s 3 hour drive, we collected enough materials to fill one 40 foot container… which, when eventually sent, will change the lives of hundreds of disabled Haitians.

Every donor had a story.

· “My grandmother recently died and we had her wheelchair. We’ve written a note on the back of the wheelchair sending our love to the people of Haiti.”

· “I represent the largest maritime law firm in Hampton Roads. We sent out an email to all our attorneys and are donating these dozens of walkers and crutches.”

· “I wanted to do something for the people of Haiti and went around to every thrift store in the area and bought all of their crutches to donate.”

· “I work for the school system and we had these sitting in a storage area. I hope these crutches will help someone in Haiti.”

· Sobbing: “My wife died last month. This donation will help me to know that she was really able to help those in Haiti.”

These are but a few of the hundreds of stories we heard yesterday. My thanks to staffers Mary Kwasniewski, Monika Bridgforth and Ken Hudson and long time PFP volunteer and ODU professor Gail Grisetti for organizing this event in just a few short days. Thanks also to MOC member Dr. Raouf Gharbo and ODU MOC student rep Patricia Birungi who were there from beginning to end helping to unload the donations. And a special thanks to the students and faculty of Old Dominion University’s School of Physical Therapy who did the yeoman’s work managing the hundreds of pieces of equipment we collected.

All the local media covered the event. We are particularly indebted to CBS’s WTKR Channel 3 here in Norfolk and to NBC 4 in Washington DC for their extensive pre-coverage of the drive. (See the Pilot’s article at: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/medicalsupply-drive-nets-huge-ourpouring-haiti.) We expect further coverage on Larry King tomorrow night.

This is only the beginning. Couple this, and future collections with Hanger’s generous donation of $125,000 in cash and equipment, and our Walking Free program is poised to have a significant impact on the reconstruction phase of Haiti’s people.

Best,

Ron

Brigadier General Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.)
President and CEO, Physicians for Peace

Brighton Peace Bracelet - Proceeds to Benefit Physicians for Peace

Thursday, January 21, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Physicians for Peace is honored to have been chosen by Brighton again this year to participate in their Dream Peace Bracelet fundraising campaign. People who wish to purchase this collectable bracelet can find a list of local retailers on the Brighton web site by clicking above. When purchasing the bracelet, you will be given a choice of four charities. We encourage all of our supporters to buy their bracelet between now and February 14th and choose Physicians for Peace as their charity beneficiary!

Get one for yourself and one for a friend! We can make this fundraiser a big success - last year Brighton raised over $50,000 for Physicians for Peace! This year we can do more!

Tell your friends about this great opportunity to support Physicians for Peace. Thank you for your support!

A Letter from Father Sadoni at St. Vincent's School in Haiti

Thursday, January 21, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Dear Friends in the USA,

I write this e-mail to you to let you know that I am alive and all my parents and my fiancee's parents are alive.

The first bulding of St. Vincent is down and 6 kids and employees died in the earthquake. Now they are with me in the field of the College St. Pierre near the Palace. This afternoon I will have a meeting with the bishop, and I plan to propose to him to let me go with all the kid to Montrouis. I hope he agrees.

We really appreciate what Bill Squire did yesterday. He came to visit us in this difficult situation. He brought some money for us and we will use this money to feed the kids during three weeks in Montrouis.

The urgent now is to feed them. We don't have any materiels (cloths, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap). After the earthquake people got into St Vincent, so they robbed all the rest of the materials left, in my office, in the dorm, in the pharmacy, in the oparating room etc....

I hope in the next day the state will be able to pull out all the wall so we can built a new wall to protect the rest of St Vincent.

Glory to God we are safe, Glory to God He keeps the children safe. May his name be glorified everywhere.

In Christ,

Sadoni

Note: The email message above was received on January 18, 2010 from Father Sadoni, Director of St. Vincent's Center. Montrouis, where he hopes to take the children, is on the coast northwest of Port-au-Prince. The Rev. Canon Bill Squire, President of the Children's Medical Mission of Haiti, went to Haiti to assess the situation and take money to feed the children. He has since returned home saftely. Also check the CMMH website for updates. Please continue to keep Father Sadoni, the children, and staff at St. Vincent's in your prayers.

Donations collected though the Physicians for Peace Haiti Relief Fund are shared with St. Vincent's School for Handicapped Children. If you would like to contribute, make your donation here.

Collection Drive for Haiti's Injured and Disabled

Monday, January 18, 2010 by Walking Free

Physicians for Peace, which has been providing amputee rehabilitation services in Haiti since 2005, is sponsoring a drive to collect prosthetics, wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Saturday, January 23, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Old Dominion University - Webb Center

49th Street, Norfolk, VA

ODU students and Physicians for Peace (PFP) volunteers will be collecting the donations, refurbishing as necessary and then sending to Physicians for Peaces’s rehabilitation centers in Port-au-Prince.

“We will be sending this equipment by container to be used when the critical relief activities are near completion,” said Mary Kwasniewski, Physicians for Peace’s Senior Director for Global Health. “Then, we’ll work directly with our two primary partners there, Healing Hands for Haiti and St. Vincent’s Orphanage, who we know will be seeing an increase in amputee victims resulting from this tragedy.”

During the drive, cash donations will be accepted, however, donations of other equipment, clothing, etc, cannot be accepted.

This drive is part of PFP’s “Walking Free” program, recognized around the world for providing prosthetics and other devices as well as training to prosthetists and physical therapists to help amputees live fully productive lives.

The Mix of Hope and Tragedy in Haiti

Monday, January 18, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Dr. Lisbet Hanson is a friend of Physicians for Peace and a Virginia-based Ob/Gyn who has done much work with partners in Haiti to improve women's health. She was in Haiti when the quake struck and has been sending us her updates since last week. The above slideshow displays photos she was able to send from her phone. Below is her latest report. (Warning: graphic content.)

Thank you for all the help from Physicians for Peace. Dr. Ramon Lopez has been so generous with his time, meeting us at the border, driving us to Santo Domingo, showing us his beautiful city and helping us decompress. Interestingly, we saw only one large fuel truck crossing from the Dominican Rebublic to Haiti in Eleas Pina. I had expected to see many convoys on the way. On the road in the DR we saw one convoy of about 7 cars and trucks clearly headed to the border and last night a group of about 50-60 people that appeared to be a large medical group from Europe and the Caribbean, preparing to head to Haiti. A physician from the DR living here in Santo Domingo with ties to Hampton Roads contacted me to tell me she was collecting supplies to take to the border hospitals as they had begun accepting patients from Haiti. Another physician in Hampton Roads said she was collecting supplies to send to the doctor in the DR.

I can confirm that several open fractures were transferred to the DR early Friday morning from Cange, including a 7 year old boy with an open compound fracture of his right lower leg and a large gaping wound of the calf. I had helped remove his cast on Thursday night that had been placed in Port-au-Prince the day after the earthquake and was struck by the horrible smell of the wound. I don't think they can save his leg but hopefully his life. I cannot imagine how painful the ride to the border was for him on those deeply rutted roads from Lascahobas to Elias Pina. I had trouble even though our driver, Domek, was experienced and careful. It will take some time to digest all that has happened. I am concerned that there will be a lot of "stupid deaths" to quote Paul Farmer. I am especially concerned about a little boy brought in by his father missing a large portion of his scalp down to the bone on the back of his head and a large gash on his forehead that I cleaned up and stitched. He would only eat a few M&M's that Mike Kammermier gave him. We took turns sitting and rocking him when there was a lull in patients arriving. His father left to return to Port-au-Prince to collect his mom and bring her to Cange. The rest of the family were all dead.

Again, thank you for your help.

Lisbet

If you would like to contribute to ongoing efforts to address the urgent need in Haiti, you can make your donation here.

Reports From Our Partners in Haiti

Thursday, January 14, 2010 by Ellen Libby

News continues to come in from our partners in Haiti about the incredible devastation and the challenges of treating those in need. Dr. Lisbet Hanson, an Ob/Gyn who has done extensive work in Haiti to help expectant mothers, sends these reports from her Blackberry:

"Internet out today. Too busy anyway. Going to lie down for a while, then head back to help. Delivered twins, have set bones, helped with amputations, sutured, started IVs, washed wounds, done emergency ultrasounds... So much trauma, not enough of us to go around. Mirabelais standing room only. Patients are leaving Port-au-Prince any way they can. We are triaging patients in ED and church here in Cange. Stepping over people in shock with arms dangling, bones exposed.. It's unbelievable..."

"Unbelievable day and its just getting started as people find their way out of Port-au-Prince to other hospitals. So many traumatic amputations, open fractures, puncture wounds and crush injuries.... We need orthopods and anesthesia people, lots of them. And more mattresses as wards full and churches filling. Will try to send photos when I can. If Partners In Health team can get here to replace us we are thinking of heading to DR end of the week. Will stay in touch. Thanks for support."

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This report is also in from Eric Doubt, Executive Director of Healing Hands for Haiti International, one of our Walking Free Program partners in Haiti:

To all, Lisa and I finally heard from our operations manager, Antonio. First of all, thank goodness, Antonio and his whole family are all fine. His home, car, property, all okay. He has a generator power, water, internet and VOIP telephone communications. Antonio has personally seen the following staff members who are okay: Siltane (who is living at the guest house), Noel, Joel, Jean, Soeurette, Caseus and the security guards. All of these people are unharmed. Noel unfortunately has not yet found his young daughter. Jean’s wife is injured. Antonio confirmed that Dr. Lalane and family are okay. His is the only home standing in his neighbourhood. We have no news from any others yet.

I’m sorry to report the following news: in terms of our property, the main apartment building facing the guest house is completely destroyed. Antonio does not yet know the fate of two survivors still buried alive under the rubble. As far as he knows, the other apartment dwellers got out. Our clinic and administration building are damaged with cracks and the two staircases leading to them are impassable. The clinic entrance to the physiotherapy area has collapsed. Security are ensuring nobody goes near or enters. The small private house past the pool across from the administration steps has been destroyed. The guest house is intact, but Antonio stresses it needs to be assessed. Siltane is safe in her apartment which has a locked door. There is generator electricity. Not sure about water yet.

Antonio reported that, on his walk from Petionville to our headquarters, it was as if the entire city was out in the streets. When I asked about the mood, he said very quiet because they are counting their dead. Three of the Unibanks he knows of collapsed with people inside. There is no banking, no gas available and the airport is closed except for emergency missions right now. We have asked Antonio when he returns tomorrow to take detailed photographs, to locate and report on other staff, to further assess the guest house, to secure the compound, to locate the water purification system in the guest house and make it operational for our use and the public’s if necessary. He is going to be calling Lisa and I twice a day as communications are possible to report and to take our questions. Antonio and his home are going to be the communications centre for HHHI in Haiti for the time being.

We told Antonio to communicate to his family, our staff and all our associates that we are setting up an emergency relief fund for staff and families and that we are planning for deploying an emergency response and reconnaissance mission as soon as it is humanly possible. We assured him of the massive worldwide support that we are witnessing in the media. We told him to be safe and take no chances and thanked him on everyone’s behalf for his calmness and compassion. This news came in after our emergency board meeting tonight. We are holding a second such meeting tomorrow, Thursday night and will provide you more details as we receive them on a regular basis. You may, of course, have received some of this information already. Feel free to pass any of it on to others.

On a positive note, donations via the web site and in person are substantial and rising and we are flooded with material and volunteer offers which we are coordinating. The best advice we have is to tell everyone the most important thing we need is money and to go to the web site. Regarding material donations, people can be thanked and asked to hold onto them until we can get back and coordinate. Major donations can be referred to Physicians for Peace. We advise volunteers to fill out the form on the web site stating their specialties, as we will be requiring numerous teams to be deployed throughout the year. We’re also categorizing specialties and providing contact information to the Canadian and U.S. Red Cross and MSF."

Physicians for Peace is currently collecting donations to help with the relief efforts of our partners in Haiti. 100% of these funds will go directly to help Haitians in crisis -

Click here to make your contribution to Haiti relief efforts.

Physicians for Peace Helps in Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Dr. Lisbet Hanson, an Ob/Gyn who is in Haiti working with Partners In Health, sent this update to Physicians for Peace last night to report on conditions on the ground:

"Many many thanks for your help. we are fine, trying to work with PIH to help in any way we can. Cange seems fairly calm and no major destruction here, though a lot of panic initially. Patients may be mobilized to Cange and Hinche: There is only one general surgeon and the Haitian ob/gyns are anxious to leave to check on their families in Port au Prince as they have had no contact. Sometime today I will have a better idea of what is happening. Thanks for your prayers and all that you do. I hear the devastation in Port au Prince is huge.

Very bizarre, surreal experience sitting here in the Friendship House listening to the ZL (Zanmi Lasante, Partners in Health, Haiti) staff roll out their plan and hear as news trickles in about the airport tower collapse, the palace destruction, the UN destruction with many unaccounted for, the prison collapse, etc. Have heard that Loune and Louise in Port au Prince are OK. Everyone is very emotional, there is a lot of passion. 23 people from ZL including Paul and Ophelia are having a skype conference trying to figure out how to get in through the Dominican Republic and bring helicopters into Port au Prince to begin triaging patients, then airlifting them to Cange or Hinche where teams of surgeons will be wlling to care for them. Cange is worried that they don't have enough fuel for the generator. The dam is down, there is no power so everything is running off the generator. The water purification system requires electricity to work. And there is only so much fuel. I have offered to scrub, hold retractors, donate blood, help in post op. I think in a few days there will be many people here as volunteers stream in but in the first few days perhaps I can help and not just be in the way. Thinking of you all."

Physicians for Peace has set up a special relief fund for the victims of yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti:

Click here to make your contribution.

Physicians for Peace has been providing medical education and training in Haiti for several years, particularly in rehabilitation for trauma victims through its internationally recognized Walking Free program.

Through Physicians for Peace’s partner network of Healing Hands for Haiti and St. Vincent’s School for Handicapped Children (and others), both in the capital city of Port au Prince, donations will go directly to provide immediate trauma relief as well as longer term assistance for amputees.

Healing Hands for Haiti has been providing Orthotic and Prosthetic services to the people of Haiti since 1998 using both US and Haiti specialists. St. Vincents School for Handicapped Children is a multi-service facility that provides preschool through high school education, vocational training, physical therapy and medical care. The medical clinic, which includes a small surgical suite, sees over 1000 patients a month for primary care, developmental evaluation and 20-30 corrective surgical procedures.

“Obviously, such a devastating force of nature has caused incalculable loss of life as well as countless traumatic injuries, particularly amputations,” said Physicians for Peace President and CEO, Brig Gen Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.). “Because of our experience in working with amputees around the world, and particularly in Haiti, and our close alliances there with highly capable medical partners on the ground, we are in a position to give some immediate medical help.”

Physicians for Peace Honored by Greek Community

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by Ellen Libby

Left to Right: Carolyn Papafil; Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.) President and CEO
of Physicians for Peace; Elizabeth Woods, President of the Hellenic Women's Club of Norfolk;
Sam Hill, Development Officer, Physicians for Peace.

Last month, Physicians for Peace was proud to receive a donation of $2,500 from the Hellenic Women's Club of Norfolk. The gift was presented by Carolyn Papafil and Club President Elizabeth Woods.

All of this was made possible by the generous spirit of Carolyn, a Past President of the Women's Club, who nominated Physicians for Peace to be the beneficiary of their annual fundraising dinner, "A Touch of Greece." The dinner, held on December 4th, 2009, with the support of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Granby Street in Norfolk, was a great success. Guests enjoyed Greek cuisine and live entertainment from the Norfolk community.

We are grateful for this show of support by this caring and generous group, who clearly shares our mission of building peace and international friendships.

For anyone in the Norfolk, Virginia area, you can sample the authentic Greek cuisine of Carolyn Papafil at her son's restaurant, the Norfolk Grill, located in the Wainwright building on West Bute Street.

To Carolyn, her friends and family, and all those involved with the Hellenic Women's Club, from all of us at Physicians for Peace - Thank you!

If you would like to join the Greek community of Norfolk in supporting out volunteer medical missions in international health education, click here to make your donation.