Jan. 19th Update from Dr. Bob & Betty
Gentlefolk,
Things are falling into place steadily, though with much frustration over lack of communications, conflicting reports from the field, ect..
Jolivert is safe and apparently no structural damage, but refugees are fleeing northward by the thousands, many with terrible wounds and fractures as yet untreated. Food and fuels are already becoming scarce and in a few days may be non-existence beyond what aid is flowing in from outside the country.
We’re amassing a huge amount of supplies, dressings, meds, etc at several collection points, much of which will be transported by Howard Jenkins’ truck and trailer to some point in Florida for flight into Haiti. Still working on that, plus possibility of cruise ships getting involved.
Our first briefing with team members and other interested parties will take place Thursday the 21st at Reflections of Christ church, Hartford, KY where many donated supplies are accumulating as we speak. Many hospitals and doctor’s offices are sending much needed items.
Our first team is Vanessa Carpenter and Dr Guerry who presumably are working in PAP since yesterday. Guerry says the horror defies description, and the stench over the city is gagging everyone. He’s grabbing naps in a corner or hallway.
Drs Hurley and Milam, orthopedists of Owensboro, KY, flew in yesterday with an anesthesiologist and lots of meds and supplies in coordination of Judy heady, Haiti missionary of Owensboro. They’ll be staying with the Heady’s outside of PAP.
Many more volunteers to go in must be put on a list for our third team, as the second team I’m taking in on Feb. 1st already numbers 18 people. I just can’t deal with more than that just now, especially since the country is overrun with escaped convicts who are already looting, mugging and doing armed robberies. Plus we’ve no idea just yet where we will be working.
We may go straight to Jolivert since huge numbers of refugees are flowing north. Right now, we’re asking for money more than supplies since I know I can purchase everything we need in the DR, whereas the logistics of getting supplies in just now is daunting to say the least.
Send any checks to PO Box 292 Hartford, KY 42347 or donate online at our website. More later.
God bless all! Dr Bob and Betty