Wellness Program
Susan Pleasants of the Haitian Health Care Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond introduced The Wellness Program to the Maison Fortuné Orphanage campus in August 2008. There has been much progress since with development of a relationship with the nearby Ste. Thérèse Hospital’s Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health) staff, especially Dr. Cruff Renard, who has performed physical examinations on all of the children, donating his personal time. Zanmi Lasante has donated most of the laboratory tests, medications, EKG and X-ray tests—in effect, thousands of dollars of donated medical care.
A clinic was established on the orphanage site complete with medical records on each of the children. Initially some of the children received medical treatment for scabies, fungal infections, intermittent respiratory infection, acid reflux and GI disorders. Several children required aggressive medical care for more serious problems. Volunteer nurses vaccinated each of the children against hepatitis and meningitis.
A small medical team of boys and staff has been trained on site to perform vital signs and administer medications. In August 2009, the Haitian Red Cross provided some staff and older residents a three-day first aid training program. The core medical team includes two exceptional boys who are interested in becoming physicians. Also in 2009, Miss Mode Mulatre was hired as a staff nurse.
The Haitian Health Care Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond has provided an annual grant of $2000 for the program, matched by funds set aside by the Board of Directors of the Maison Fortuné Orphanage Foundation. The funds can be accessed for the following needs:
- Cost of testing not covered by Zanmi Lasante.
- Purchase of supplies for the first-aid cabinet.
- Provision of health education materials and support for the Haitian Red Cross training of the core medical team.
- Establishing a scabies program, hand washing stations, health education through Zanmi Lasante, better access to clean water, and nutritional education for the MFO staff.
- Coverage of medical emergencies.
Contributions to the Wellness Program are welcome.