Haitian Relief Effort: How You Can Help
Caring is a way of life for our members. Not unexpectedly, APTA has
received many inquiries as to how members can pitch in and help those in
need in Haiti.
This page will be updated as the situation evolves, needs change, and
information becomes available. If you have information you would like to
add, please forward it to Katie
Kissal in APTA's Public Relations Department.
Disclaimer: APTA does not make any representation about the
options listed herein. APTA urges its members to use their best judgment
and thoroughly investigate any relief effort or group before donating
their money, time, or material goods. The inclusion of a relief
effort/group below shouldn't be construed as an endorsement by APTA.
(Users can also review the site Disclaimer
and Terms
& Conditions.)
Cross Cultural and International Special Interest Group
(CCSIG)
APTA's CCSIG of the Section on Health Policy and Administration is
very much involved in monitoring and providing the latest information on
crisis situations such as the earthquake in Haiti. The following
information has been put together by CCSIG for physical therapists
considering helping relief efforts in Haiti:
Tips for helping an international crisis
Other resources
How You Can Help:
Donate Money| Donate Medical
Supplies| Volunteer| Contract Positions
Donate Money
Please note: There are many groups raising money for Haiti.
Many are reputable, but some may not be. Whenever you make a donation
it's prudent to take steps to ensure the money you are giving will be
used for the intended purpose.
Donation options include:
Give to the American Red Cross
Here are the three best ways to give to the American Red Cross'
Haitian relief effort:
- Make a quick donation of $10 via text by texting the word HAITI to
90999. The amount will be added to your next phone bill.
- Send a check, made out to the American Red Cross International
Response Fund, directly to them with "for Haitian Relief" written in the
'note' line. Checks should be mailed to American Red Cross, PO Box
4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.
- Donate to the American Red Cross' International Response Fund
online.
Give to Global Therapy Group
Founded by physical therapists Donna Hutchinson, PT, and Jo Ann
Roberts, PT, Global Therapy Group is an outpatient physical therapy
clinic located on the grounds of the Haitian Community Hospital in
Petionville, Haiti. The nonprofit clinic has committed to developing a
rehabilitation technician training program over the next two years while
providing service for those injured in Haiti. To support the clinic and
help subsidize the travel costs of volunteer physical therapists, see
their PayPal link on theirGlobal Therapy Group Facebook page.
Give to the Hôpital Albert
Schweitzer
Dr. Gulas has asked that we donate to the Hôpital Albert
Schweitzer, a local medical facility that is caring for many of the
earthquake victims. If you would like to donate to Hôpital Albert
Schweitzer, you can do so on their Web site at www.friendsofhas.org. APTA has made a donation on
behalf of membership to help the hospital.
Give to Health Volunteers Overseas and the Advantage
Program
The Advantage Program Rehabilitation Clinic is located at Centre de
Sante Lumiere in Les Cayes, Haiti. APTA member June Hanks, PT, PhD, DPT,
CWS, CLT, is the director of the program and asking for donations
towards limbs for those who tragically lost them in the earthquake. The
clinic's Step Forward and Reach Out program has teamed with Health
Volunteers Overseas to raise funds to provide limbs for those who lost
them in the earthquake.
Please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/haitirehab to learn more
about the partnership and how you can donate. Donations are tax
deductible.
Donate Medical Supplies
MedWish International
MedWish International, www.medwish.org, collects medical supplies for
distribution around the world. At this point, we're told, it is fairly
certain that all supplies will go to Haiti. A wish list of needed items
can be found here http://www.medwish.org/wish_list.html.
Through the Roof Ministries
APTA member Margaret Matasic, PT, DPT, serves as the Executive
Director of this organization, which is collecting medical supplies and
walking aids for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Visit their
Web site for more information.
Volunteer
Please Note: If you are considering responding to a
call for volunteers from any relief effort or group, APTA urges extreme
caution and strongly advises the following:
- You should be part of an established, well-organized team with ties
on the ground in Haiti.
- Your group should have a means of obtaining adequate supplies, food,
water, and other necessities.
- Your group should have adequate security measures in place to ensure
the safety of everyone on your team.
- You should have prior experience with large-scale, severe
disasters.
Volunteer options include:
Advantage Program
The Advantage Program Rehabilitation Clinic is located at Centre de
Sante Lumiere in Les Cayes, Haiti. APTA member June Hanks, PT, PhD, DPT,
CWS, CLT, is the director of the program and is calling for
volunteers.
The Advantage program aims to meet the physical and spiritual needs
of persons with disabilities in Haiti in the name of Christ, and is
sponsored by Lumiere Missionaries. Persons may work with the program and
patient/clients are served regardless of religion or creed. Persons are
treated regardless of ability to pay. Please visit the Web site www.advantagehaiti.com/ to learn more about the
program. A volunteer application form is available on the Web site.
Contact June Hanks regarding volunteer inquiries: june-hanks@utc.edu.
Crudem Foundation/Hôpital Sacré Coeur
Hôpital Sacré Coeur is Milot, Haiti and run by the Crudem
Foundation. The 73 bed hospital is calling for physical therapist
volunteers (5-6 PTs in March and April) to help care for victims of the
earthquake. It is a small organization and cannot afford to pay for
travel expenses but does provide transportation to and from the airport
in Cap Haitien, and food and accommodations (basic at present due to the
numbers of volunteers). Interested PTs should contact them directly
through the Web site (www.crudem.org) or at crudemdenise@gmail.com.
Global Therapy Group
Founded by physical therapists Donna Hutchinson, PT, and Jo Ann
Roberts, PT, Global Therapy Group is an outpatient physical therapy
clinic located on the grounds of the Haitian Community Hospital in
Petionville, Haiti. The nonprofit clinic has committed to developing a
rehabilitation technician training program over the next two years while
providing service for those injured in Haiti.
If you would like to volunteer to be part of their clinic team for a
2 week period (immediate need for a June 18 trip), please contact dhutchinson@globaltherapygroup.org.
Hands of Light in Action
Since 2001, APTA member Nancy Malone, PT, has volunteered her time,
energy, and spirit to those in need. Her efforts started after the
September 11 terrorist attacks. She then traveled to help the victims of
Katrina and Midwest tornados. Nancy has travled to Haiti (via the
Dominican Republic) after the earthquake to help and do some scouting
for future mission later this spring with additional volunteers. For
more information about opportunities to volunteer, visit http://handsoflightinaction.org.
View a Hands of Light in Action video an orthopedic
surgeon in Haiti plead for the help of more physical therapists.
Island Impact Ministries
Island Impact Ministries is looking for physical therapist volunteers
for the next Haiti Medical Mission Team September 1-6, 2010.They are a
faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing medical
assistance to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
APTA member Cora Maglaya, PT, ATC, CSCS, traveled to Haiti with the
group and reports the case load is mostly orthopedic. The medical team
are comprised of physical therapists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists,
dentists, medical students, and support staff. The mobile medical clinic
previously serviced the largest tent city in Port Au Prince and traveled
to the cities of Petionville, Carrefour and Leogone, coordinated by the
military.
Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise for their expenses and must
organize their own air travel. Costs are estimated to reflect 5 nights
lodging, transportation, and logistical support ($350-$550, depending
upon hotel room preference type); and food costs (estimated $100).
Interested volunteers should email correspondence directly to contact@islandimpact.net or
go to www.islandimpact.net for more information. The
application link is http://www.islandimpact.net/contact_us.html.
Physical therapy clinical care questions can be addressed to Maglaya708@aol.com.
Click here to see a physicians request for more physical
therapists in Haiti on behalf of Island Impact Ministries.
Physicians for Peace
Physicians for Peace is dedicated to providing training and education
to health care professionals in developing countries. They are currently
seeking physical therapists with experience in treating patients with
amputations (such as fitting prosthetics) to volunteer in a clinical
setting in the Central Plateau region of Haiti. They are looking for
volunteers interested in committing to a 2 week rotation or longer as
available over the next several months. Please fill out the online
volunteer application http://www.physiciansforpeace.org/volunteers_apply.html
and send your CV to Mary Kwasniewski at mkwasnie@physiciansforpeace.org.
Project Hope
Project Hope has worked since 1958 to make health care available for
people around the globe. Their work includes educating health
professionals and community health workers, strengthening health
facilities, fighting disease, and providing humanitarian assistance
through donated medicines, medical supplies, and volunteer medical help.
If there are physical therapists who are interested in volunteering with
Project HOPE in Haiti, please apply online at http://www2.recruitingcenter.net/clients/ProjectHope/
publicjobs/controller.cfm?jbaction=JobProfile&Job_Id=10356&esid=az.
Physical Therapists will be participating in 2-3 week rotations.
Volunteers are responsible for their roundtrip airfare, however, meals
and lodging are provided by Project HOPE.
Rehab Clinic of Jacmel
The Rehab Clinic of Jacmel is a rehabiliation tent located in Jacmel,
Haiti and is seeking volunteer physical therapists for 1 week stays. The
case load is primarily orthopedic (60-70%) and neuromuscular (30-40%)
rehabilitation. APTA member Larry Benz, DPT, is handling volunteer
submissions and applications.
Learn more about this organization at www.PThelpforHaiti.org. A volunteer application form
is available on the Web site. Contact Larry Benz regarding volunteer
opportunities at larry@physicaltherapist.com.
USAID
USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives
overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. The Web
site www.usaid.gov/haiti is collecting information from
those who wish to volunteer to share with non-governmental organizations
seeking volunteers. Visit the Web address below to submit your
information.
Contract Positions
Please Note: If you are considering responding to a call for a
contracted position from any relief effort or group, APTA urges extreme
caution and strongly advises the following:
- You should be part of an established, well-organized team with ties
on the ground in Haiti.
- Your group should have a means of obtaining adequate supplies, food,
water, and other necessities.
- Your group should have adequate security measures in place to ensure
the safety of everyone on your team.
- You should have prior experience with large-scale, severe
disasters.
- Review your contract conditions very carefully to be fully aware of
your commitment.
Contract Positions include:
CBM International
CBM is an international Christian development organization, committed
to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the
poorest countries of the world.
[Last updated: 07/27/10 | Contact: public-relations@apta.org]
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