 Bret McEvoy Two Weeks After Haiti Earthquake 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.
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. Help Support AmeriCares >> 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. That's a simplified description of our days, but I am struck by how, even in the most tragic circumstances, people can grow accustomed to their surroundings and begin to re-establish a concept of “normal”. Driving around the streets of Port-au-Prince all day every day, I've caught myself, at moments, looking at the damage and suffering without awe and bewilderment. You can only look at so many collapsed buildings before they begin to lose their sense of extraordinary-ness. For better and worse, the mind adapts. It's a defense mechanism, for sure, but it makes me feel unsympathetic, and I can't stand that. I want my sympathy to be pouring out of me at all times. With all that the Haitian people have experienced, they deserve nothing less. So I will work to recognize the patterns of the mind, and combat them with compassion, empathy and determination. I know that the images of Haiti on the TV screen may begin to appear repetitive or commonplace and the media will begin to focus elsewhere, I hope you know and remember that the need is still great, and will continue to be for some time. As AmeriCares works to bring in additional aid to help meet overwhelming demand, please keep Haiti in your hearts and minds as long as they need you. A Generation of Amputees Bret McEvoy 02/04/10 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. Read More »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 »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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Bret, Heather sent me the link to your blog and having read through it I commend you for your daily courage in what you are doing for the Haitian people. I will keep them in my thoughts, and you as well. My own donations seem pale in comparison but I know that the world is a better place because of the true dedication of people like you. So glad to hear that you have not given up the fight to always see the hard-truths even when it starts to become commonplace.
I would like to work for the cause. How can I do it?