 Bret McEvoy A Generation of Amputees AmeriCares relief worker Bret McEvoy is on the ground in Haiti. Bret is coordinating the distribution of AmeriCares medical aid for earthquake survivors. Read his latest dispatches from Port-au-Prince and throughout earthquake-affected areas of Haiti.
This morning I boarded the UN Humanitarian flight transporting passengers from Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. As I looked down on the tragedy that has befallen this remarkable country, I found myself reflecting on a comment made by a pediatrician at Hopital Saint Francois de Sales, a recipient of AmeriCares' medical support. He lamented, "Haiti will now have a generation of amputees, both physical and emotional." His harrowing words really paint a picture of the challenges ahead. AmeriCares has been working tirelessly to get life-saving medicines into hospitals and clinics to treat as many wounded as possible, and our service in this regard is absolutely critical. But as the disaster response begins to transition into the recovery phase, the needs of the millions effected by the January 12th earthquake will also include long-term psychosocial assistance. Help Support AmeriCares >> When we first arrived three weeks ago and were driving through the city, one of our Haitian colleagues pointed to the house of his girlfriend as we passed it by. He told us how beautiful she was, but that she had died in the earthquake. It came out rather nonchalantly, as if its happening wasn't something unusual or completely profound. And what's so sad is that for the Haitian people, it wasn't unusual. It's the story for so many. And so, over time, we witnessed the behavorial ups and downs of a grieving people. Days of mourning and disbelief followed by uplifting moments of revival, only to be quickly retracted by news of another missing friend or family member confirmed dead. I feel for their pain, but can't truly grasp the enormity of their suffering, nor can I estimate the weight of their struggle still to come. So I leave with profound sadness for what Haiti has experienced, but also with a dedicated hope for what lies ahead. The world has its eye on Haiti now, and countless governments, aid organizations and individuals are there to help. AmeriCares specifically has a team remaining on the ground that is talented, experienced, and motivated in its cause. I return to AmeriCares headquarters to continue to support from afar, joining the rest of our staff that have been working behind the scenes, but round the clock nonetheless. Rest assured, AmeriCares is committed to Haiti, and will remain so for a long time to come. When a relief worker becomes sick Bret McEvoy 02/01/10 I've spent the past 48 hours in bed, lying in my own sweat, vomit and intestinal distress. It's been uncomfortable and debilitating, but never hopeless. Hopelessness comes when there's no available solution, but luckily, I have the means to treat my condition. I have a hotel room to retreat to for some semblance of quiet and privacy. I have access to our medical director back home, who can advise me on the most appropriate course of action. And most importantly, we brought oral rehydration solutions to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, and antibiotics to combat what is most likely a bacterial infection. Read More »Two Weeks After Haiti Earthquake Bret McEvoy 01/27/10 It's now been two weeks since the earthquake devastated Haiti. And on day 13 of my stay, I've begun to notice a developing routine. We open up the warehouse in the morning and receive medical representatives eager to replenish their dwindling or non-existent stock, as the demands for their services have increased exponentially in the wake of this disaster. We then make deliveries to some of those unable to reach our warehouse, perform assessments of potential recipients and effected areas, and follow up on our donations by visiting clinics and medical teams benefiting from our needed medicines and supplies. Read More »Imagine having an amputation with no anesthesia Bret McEvoy 01/23/10 Imagine having an amputation with no anesthesia, or a lingering and spreading infection with no antibiotics, or a child in need of an injection with only a large gauge needle meant for an adult. Without access to medicines and supplies, this is the reality in post-earthquake Haiti. Read More » The Haitian people are a beautiful people. And they need our help. Bret McEvoy 01/22/10I keep reading reports about problems in Port au Prince. Some of my colleagues and acquaintances have encountered precarious situations, but it hasn’t been my experience in recent days. Granted, our team tries to refrain from traveling at night, and we have local staff helping us to avoid certain pre-earthquake trouble spots. But that all being said, I have found nothing but warmth, hospitality and gratefulness in the Haitian people I have met and befriended. Even despite the horror and tragedy of last week’s earthquake, I still catch friendly smiles and receive a gentle touch. Read More » Back on the airstrip... Bret McEvoy 01/17/10 Back on the airstrip at Port-au-Prince Airport in Haiti. It's all energy and activity; planes flying overhead, trucks barrelling along the tarmac. Aid for Haitian earthquake survivors is pouring in and is desperately needed. I’ve been closely monitoring the status of our incoming airlift and coordinating with US military officials overseeing air traffic - working to ensure a smooth transition from the arrival of our medical aid to offload to storage. And after much anticipation, our DC6 charter plane has landed in Haiti! Read More »In an ideal world... Bret McEvoy 01/17/10In an ideal world, emergency response and disaster relief should be simple. People need help, and so help should be supplied, and quickly. But the reality is complicated. Traffic jams clog up access roads for delivery, lack of communication hinders collaboration and resources are few and far between. AmeriCares emergency airlift is being readied for take-off. Our team on the ground is relieved to have landing clearance the Port-au-Prince airport. Read More » We awoke at the airport... Bret McEvoy 01/16/10 We awoke at the airport this morning to the roar of air force engines; the hum of generators; the pitter patter of reporters and cameramen trying to head out onto the streets before daybreak. We started our day at sunrise, and despite a 7 a.m. reservation for a rental car we didn’t get a vehicle with a full tank of gasoline until three hours later. Gas is gold here. The few filling stations that have gas are swarmed with cars and people. Out on the street, it’s selling for $12 a gallon. Our rental car company was one of the only places that had its own, private stock of gas. Read More »
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