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100 Holes for Haiti Golf Event

2012-04-28T00:13:38Z

On Thursday September 15, 2011 some 36 golfers gathered at Beverly Golf & Curling

Club to raise money for HAS and for Stella House Orphanage. The fundraiser was

dubbed 100 Holes for Haiti. Volunteers from two organizations, the Canadian Friends

of HAS and The Joy & Hope of Haiti, joined forces to put on this event, which is unlike

most golf tournaments you have heard about. Participants didn’t just pay a fee to play.

Rather they made a donation to the hospital and orphanage and asked their family, friends

and colleagues to make donations as well. The result of people’s generosity was a net

profit of over $64,000 (and counting).

Canadian Friends will send half of that total downto the hospital. The other half will go to the orphanage. The event itself was a dream day for the golfers. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and

snacks were all provided. There were only 36 golfers spread through 18 holes so golfers,

each with their own riding cart, were free to go to whatever holes they wished. Most teed

up two balls on the par 4s and 5s and three or more balls on the par 3s. Representing

CFHAS as golfers were Arlene Sargeant, Gini Steel, Bob Becksfort, Jim Stark, Ken

Bond, Nick Bond, Hal Devins, Dave McKay, Andy Hamilton and Walt Civiero. (Brad

Berquist and Peter & Cathy Johnson participated in the fundraising even though they

were unable to golf this year.) For the first time, medals were presented to golfers who

actually completed 100 holes or more. Ken Bond and his playing partner, son Nick, each

received a medal. The putting contest was run by Adrienne Devins and Susan McKay

with help from Pam Smye and Mary Beth Ledden. Rick Elliott won first prize and Dave

McKay second prize. Cathy Zavitz, the main organizer of the 100 Holes event, spent

much of the day driving around the course with a videographer who was capturing the

flavour of the event, including footage of golf shots and lots of interviews with golfers. It

will be interesting to see the video when it is ready.

When darkness threatened, all the golfers settled in for a delicious dinner. Joining the

CFHAS golfers and organizers for the meal were Hilda Stark, Debbie Berquist, Penny

Bond and Penny’s sister, Judith, who was visiting from England. With photos of the

Haitian people in both Deschapelles (HAS) and Cap Haitien (Stella House Orphanage)

playing in the background, emcee Rick Elliott deftly moved the diners through the formal

parts of the evening. Hal Devins gave a moving speech about the needs at HAS and the

very real difference that donors make in the lives of the people in the Artibonite Valley

in Haiti. Jim Turnbull gave an equally moving speech about the care the orphans at Stella

House get, including helping them to get training for meaningful work. To wrap up the

wonderful day, golfers were each given a copy of the book, Unshaken (Dan Woolley

/ Zondervan), about a man who survived three days in the Montana Hotel which had

collapsed in the 2010 earthquake. Just for fun golfers were also given a bottle of wine

donated by Peller Estates.

Anyone interested in golfing in the 2012 100 Holes for Haiti golf event (3rd Thursday

in September) can contact Dave McKay (dmckay2@cogeco.ca). Anyone interested in

making a donation to the event can contact any of the golfers mentioned in this article.

100 Holes for Haiti Golf Event

HOPE, CARE, HEALING

2012-04-28T00:05:37Z

Dear Friends,

These simple 3 words HOPE, CARE, HEALING describe what Hôpital Albert Schweitzer- Haiti

(HAS) is to the people living in the Artibonite Valley in Haiti.

We at Canadian Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (CFHAS) are pleased to continue to provide our

support to HAS. Since our official beginning in 2003 Canadian Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer

have raised close to $1 million dollars for the hospital through fundraising events and personal

donations.

As we approach 2012 our hope is for your continued interest and commitment to HAS. Because of your

support, we are able to help HAS lead the way to healthier tomorrows.

Hope

In a country laden with diseases of poverty and limited material and environmental resources Hôpital

Albert Schweitzer serves as a source of good health and an outpost of hope

Care

The primary Haitian staff is joined by visiting physicians from around the globe to provide life-

changing, life-saving care. One half of the patients are children suffering from malnutrition, intestinal

or respiratory diseases

Healing

Through a network of health centres, mobile clinics and community health worker HAS extends its

healing reach into remote mountain communities to treat malnutrition, proved maternal and child health

cares, safe water sources and education of disease prevention.

As we celebrate the Christmas season, so many of us are looking for ways to do more to help others.

A perfect gift for your family and friends is our gift card. Your gift card donation gives you and your

loved one the continued opportunity to provide the Haitian people with hope, care and healing.

Please help Make a Difference.

Cathy Johnson

President

Canadian Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer

A video produced at The Haiti Happening from NewsClipTV.com

2012-04-17T04:05:37Z

http://newscliptv.com/videos/haiti-fundraiser.html

March 2012 update letter from John Walton

2012-04-10T20:23:57Z

CEO SEARCH FOR HAS: First, as you may know, Ian Rawson, PhD has been serving as our interim managing director at the hospital since November of 2009. With a lifelong connection to HAS, Ian was willing to extend that temporary role and remain at HAS when the earthquake hit Haiti and the needs for our services became even greater. We are grateful for all he has given to HAS. Recently, Ian let the board know of his intentions to step down from this interim role, and our board defined a search to find a Chief Executive Officer. Clearly, Ian’s commitment to the hospital and the people of Haiti is both passionate and unwavering and we are grateful that he is willing to maintain his role during the search.

To find the right candidate for the CEO position, our board has created a search committee and retained the services of Tyler & Company and its international partner, Signium International, which specialize in the healthcare industry. We are searching for a unique individual who can provide leadership for our multinational management team, sustain collaborative relationships with partners in the public and private sectors and advance the institution through fundraising efforts. It’s a compelling and exciting role for a strong leader during a critical time in Haiti.

A copy of the release that we have shared with media about this can be accessed via this link (www.hashaiti.org/content/HAS-Announces-International-Search-for-CEO) you may very well know of candidates who would be a great fit for HAS. If you do, please use the contact information in the news release to share your thoughts.

Beyond this news, I also wanted to share several updates from Haiti:

OUTPATIENT CLINICS: A trend which was noted in 2011 has continued this year, with an increase in patients who arrive at the hospital’s outpatient clinics. Because HAS is a referral hospital, all new patients other than accident victims must be referred from one of HAS’ four dispensaries or the ambulatory health centers managed by the Ministry of Health or other voluntary agencies. The demand for services at these centers has increased, primarily due to the increased population of displaced persons from the earthquake, as well as the changing epidemiology with increased cases of acute presentations of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Advanced training in the management of controlled diabetes in the dispensaries has been implemented, and this will be followed by similar programs for the management of hypertension and asthma.

CHOLERA UPDATE: With the goal of predicting future trends, HAS continues to host research teams from the CDC which pursue information about trends in the cholera epidemic in Haiti. We do anticipate an increase in cases in the summer rainy season, and HAS has participated in a regional planning effort to manage the influx of patients. The Ministry of Health is the host agency for the operation of Cholera Treatment Centers and the few patient who arrive at HAS are transferred to the Ministry facility in nearby Verettes. HAS participates in a U.N.-sponsored environmental health cluster that coordinates the construction of major water systems, latrines and public education among agencies such as the national water system, the French Red Cross and the Swiss agency Helvetas.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: Dr. Ernst maintains contact with physicians and other practitioners around the world, and is able to sustain a controlled flow of specialist volunteers to HAS. Normally, these professionals bring skills which are not normally here, such as plastic surgery or cardiology. Because of an emergency medical condition, one of our anesthetists is currently absent, and a special appeal has gone out to cover this absence. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Silvia Ernst, MD, Medical Director (sernst@hashaiti.org) for more information.

ORTHOTICS: The Hanger Prosthetics clinic is now offering orthotics as well as prosthetics, which has been welcomed. Since the January 2010 earthquake, the Ivan R. Sabel/Hanger Foundation has provided over 1,200 new limbs at the HAS prosthetics clinic. As the backlog of earthquake-related amputations have declined, there is a growing need for orthotics. The four Haitian prosthetics technicians are now being qualified in orthotics. The Hanger/HAS clinic will serve the areas of the Artibonite and Central plateau, in partnership with Partners in Health; the combined populations of these departments is the second largest population concentration in the country.

In closing, we will keep you apprised as to changes occurring at HAS and welcome your feedback. While much work remains to be done in Haiti today, there is great progress and great hope. As we move forward, we value your support. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Best wishes,

John R. Walton

Board Chair

HAS Managing Director Ian Rawson comments on New York Times Article

2012-04-08T19:42:24Z

View original article.

This is an interesting article with fascinating historical insights. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that our greatest danger lies in the future, and not too far ahead.

In two short months the cholera will emerge again in the Artibonite, where it originated and will bring with it many more cases.

The official government policy is that cholera will be treated at Ministry of Health facilities, and not at hospitals such as ours. We concur with this policy, but note with regret that our two local MSPP facilities have not yet been given the resources to address this great challenge. There is a great deal of discussion among all of us who are partners in providing health services in this region, but this by itself does not provide resources.

During the first two peaks of cholera, HAS expended almost a half-million (unbudgeted) dollars in infrastructure, staffing and logistical expenses.

Our governmental partners in this region are professionally qualified to manage the predicted demand, but not unless they receive the support which they need to hire staff, establish treatment centers, and receive life-saving medicines and supplies.

Ian G. Rawson, PhD
Managing Director

Hospital in Haiti Launches Search for Chief Executive Officer

2012-03-22T18:46:17Z

March 21, 2012, Deschapelles, Haiti - The board of directors of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) has announced the launch of a search for a Chief Executive Officer for the hospital, which has been operating in Haiti since 1956. Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti operates a regional referral hospital and diverse community programs that provide the only source of medical and development services for more than 350,000 people in Haiti's Artibonite Valley.

"While much work remains to be done in Haiti today, there is great progress and great hope," said John Walton, chairman of the board. "For more than 50 years, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti has provided care for people in Haiti who have few or no other options. Today, we are launching a search for an individual with unique leadership skills to fill a compelling role as CEO of a hospital during a critical time in Haiti. We are also expressing gratitude to Dr. Ian Rawson who is retiring from the role as Managing Director which he has held for the past three years. Dr. Rawson has provided invaluable service to the institution since its founding and will continue to serve on the board of directors. Associated with the institution since its founding, Mr. Rawson's commitment to HAS has been invaluable."

Founded by Dr. Larimer and Mrs. Gwen Grant Mellon and named after Albert Schweitzer, HAS is a 130-bed hospital that maintains a primarily Haitian staff supported by visiting clinicians from around the world. The hospital performs more than 2,000 surgical procedures annually and has made measurable impacts eradicating health conditions and common diseases through immunizations. As an extension of the hospital's reach, innovative community-based health and development programs have been created to address the root causes of many health issues. These programs and partnerships include rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics, water and sanitation, agro forestry and a focus on malnutrition among Haitian children.

The board of directors is working with Atlanta-based executive search firm Tyler & Company, which specializes in the healthcare industry. "We are searching for a unique individual who can provide leadership for a multinational management team, sustain collaborative relationships with partners in the public and private sectors and advance the institution through fundraising efforts. It's a compelling and exciting role for a strong leader," said Walton.

The CEO's principal residence will be at the hospital campus in Deschapelles. Familiarity with French and the capability to learn Haitian Kreyol are preferred. For more information, go towww.tylerandco.com.

ABOUT Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti

Located in Deschapelles, HAS operates a 130-bed hospital that admitted more than 10,000 patients in 2010. Beyond the main campus, HAS operates outpatient clinics and maintains four health centers that receive thousands of patients each year.

Beyond, HAS operates a unique, interrelated set of special and community services including:

·     Rehabilitation: During 2011, more than 5,000 consultations and therapies were provided in the hospital and outpatient clinic. In addition, PT techs visit home-bound patients.
·      Prosthetics and Orthotics: The prosthetics service has provided more than 1,200 new limbs since the January 2010 earthquake, and is the largest such service in the country. At the end of 2011, the service was expanded to include orthotics.
·      Community Services: HAS operates four health centers in outlying areas that reached more than 78,000 people in 2011. In remote locations, HAS provides mobile clinics and offers HAS-trained birth attendants and family-planning services.
·      Focus on Malnutrition: With support from UNICEF and other partners, HAS initiated an innovative program focused on reducing the rates of malnutrition that includes the distribution of micronutrients and community-based education.
·      Water and Sanitation: HAS' community-based water resource and sanitation program completed its 200th well in 2010. In 2011, HAS constructed 262 new latrines and supported three local Rotary clubs to install 365 additional latrines.
o Agro-Forestry: HAS initiated a community-based agro-forestry program that operates in 41 communities and is on target to reach its goal of planting 1 million trees by 2016.
o Partnerships: HAS collaborates with the French Red Cross and the Swiss organization Helvetas to plan major water systems in the Artibonite valley.

The hospital maintains staff in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for financial management, development, medical supplies procurement and communications. More information is available at www.hashaiti.org.

This is Haiti !! Mwen se ayisyien, Sa se Ayiti

2012-03-09T17:59:20Z

A HAITI HAPPENING – 2012

2012-03-08T00:10:22Z

On Saturday February 25th, at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, 375 humanitarians came together in

support of maternal and child health at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer –Haiti. This 9th annual “Haiti Happening”,

sponsored by the Canadian Friends of HAS, included an authentic Haitian meal; a Silent Auction; a Market

Place; prizes; a presentation about the current situation at the hospital; a new video. The event raised over

$30,000 with more donations still coming in.

One highlight of the evening was an inspirational Power Point Presentation by guest of honour,

Dr. Ian Rawson. As the son of HAS co- founder, Gwen Mellon, and in his present capacity as Managing

Director of the hospital, Dr. Rawson brought a lot of credibility to his report. Some of the topics that Dr.

Rawson focused on were the HAS … readiness for the next spike in cholera cases; leadership in building 100

latrines a month; reforestation initiative (600,000 trees to date … 1,000,000 by 2014); class of 220 traditional

birthing attendants who facilitate three checkups for pregnant women; encouragement of physiotherapists

to complement the largest prosthetic and rehabilitation centre in the Carribean; need for an anaesthesiologist

and supporting nurses.

Another highlight was a new video, created by James and Andrea Harvey. The fast-paced video,

described by CFHAS Board member, Mick Stewart, as a counterpoint to Dr. Rawson’s presentation, depicted

life at the hospital from the early days to the present. Mr. Stewart, on behalf of everyone in CFHAS, paid

respects to Rhoda Berquist and Peter Johnson, Canadian Friends of HAS members who passed away this

year. The video was dedicated to these two fine people. The entire audience’s attentiveness throughout Dr.

Rawson’s talk and the showing of the video was indicative of the high level of interest in the compelling

information being presented.

The planning committee, headed by Hilda Reinauer-Stark, was very pleased with the results of their

efforts. The Silent Auction, featuring 70 creative works by Haitians and 100 similarly creative works by

Hamilton area artisans, was abuzz with interest in the “one of a kind” items. The Market Place, with authentic

Haitian products like vanilla and coffee, also drew a lot of interest. Hameed Shaqq, the pan drummer, did an

excellent job of entertaining during the cocktail hour. David Shuttleworth, in his 6th year as Master of

Ceremonies, was in top form. Dana Frewin and her staff at Michelangelo’s put on a wonderful meal which

included the delectable “Smuggler’s Cake”. The Reverend David Anderson focused everyone’s attention as he

referenced “all God’s children” in the grace. CFHAS Chair, Brad Berquist, offered thanks to all who

contributed to the event, provided an update on CFHAS contributions to the hospital ($760,000 to date) and

invited further donations to the hospital.

Special thanks were offered to Peller Estates (who donated the wine on the tables), Via Rail and the

Stratford Shakespearean Festival (who donated big prizes), a host of local businesses (who also donated

prizes), and Tony from Anton Video Productions.

The 10th annual “Haiti Happening” will be held on Saturday February 23rd, 2013. The hope is that

the Canadian Friends of HAS will close in on the $1,000,000 mark for donations to the hospital. All those

with a “heart for Haiti” can help to realize that goal. Donations are always welcome through the CFHAS

website (www.canadianhashaiti.ca) or by mail (P.O. Box 827, Hamilton ON L8N3M8 … cheque made out

to “Canadian Friends of HAS”).

On Saturday February 25th, at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, 375 humanitarians came together insupport of maternal and child health at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer –Haiti. This 9th annual “Haiti Happening”,sponsored by the Canadian Friends of HAS, included an authentic Haitian meal; a Silent Auction; a MarketPlace; prizes; a presentation about the current situation at the hospital; a new video. The event raised over$30,000 with more donations still coming in.One highlight of the evening was an inspirational Power Point Presentation by guest of honour,Dr. Ian Rawson. As the son of HAS co- founder, Gwen Mellon, and in his present capacity as ManagingDirector of the hospital, Dr. Rawson brought a lot of credibility to his report. Some of the topics that Dr.Rawson focused on were the HAS … readiness for the next spike in cholera cases; leadership in building 100latrines a month; reforestation initiative (600,000 trees to date … 1,000,000 by 2014); class of 220 traditionalbirthing attendants who facilitate three checkups for pregnant women; encouragement of physiotherapiststo complement the largest prosthetic and rehabilitation centre in the Carribean; need for an anaesthesiologistand supporting nurses.Another highlight was a new video, created by James and Andrea Harvey. The fast-paced video,described by CFHAS Board member, Mick Stewart, as a counterpoint to Dr. Rawson’s presentation, depictedlife at the hospital from the early days to the present. Mr. Stewart, on behalf of everyone in CFHAS, paidrespects to Rhoda Berquist and Peter Johnson, Canadian Friends of HAS members who passed away thisyear. The video was dedicated to these two fine people. The entire audience’s attentiveness throughout Dr.Rawson’s talk and the showing of the video was indicative of the high level of interest in the compellinginformation being presented.The planning committee, headed by Hilda Reinauer-Stark, was very pleased with the results of theirefforts. The Silent Auction, featuring 70 creative works by Haitians and 100 similarly creative works byHamilton area artisans, was abuzz with interest in the “one of a kind” items. The Market Place, with authenticHaitian products like vanilla and coffee, also drew a lot of interest. Hameed Shaqq, the pan drummer, did anexcellent job of entertaining during the cocktail hour. David Shuttleworth, in his 6th year as Master ofCeremonies, was in top form. Dana Frewin and her staff at Michelangelo’s put on a wonderful meal whichincluded the delectable “Smuggler’s Cake”. The Reverend David Anderson focused everyone’s attention as hereferenced “all God’s children” in the grace. CFHAS Chair, Brad Berquist, offered thanks to all whocontributed to the event, provided an update on CFHAS contributions to the hospital ($760,000 to date) andinvited further donations to the hospital.Special thanks were offered to Peller Estates (who donated the wine on the tables), Via Rail and theStratford Shakespearean Festival (who donated big prizes), a host of local businesses (who also donatedprizes), and Tony from Anton Video Productions.The 10th annual “Haiti Happening” will be held on Saturday February 23rd, 2013. The hope is thatthe Canadian Friends of HAS will close in on the $1,000,000 mark for donations to the hospital. All thosewith a “heart for Haiti” can help to realize that goal. Donations are always welcome through the CFHASwebsite (www.canadianhashaiti.ca) or by mail (P.O. Box 827, Hamilton ON L8N3M8 … cheque made outto “Canadian Friends of HAS”).

It takes a district of villages to fight cholera, too…

2011-07-12T02:31:56Z

In late 2010 we thought we were busy with a full Cholera Treatment Center (CTC). This week, we have had well over 200 patients at any given time. We peaked at around 280 Thursday evening! The normal hospital bed count is well under 140, which means our CTC is now TWICE the size of the hospital.

Hamiltonian has hope for a new Haiti

2011-04-14T13:38:14Z

Preliminary results in the Presidential runoff election in Haiti are finally in. As long as the numbers check out, the job will go to musician Michel Martelly. Haitians call him “Sweet Mickey,” and they’re hoping his victory will open up a sweet new chapter in history.