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 Emilio Rouco in APTA's Public Relations Department.
Also, be sure to view the resources compiled by the Global Health Special Interest Group (GHSIG) (formerly CCSIG, Cross-Cultural &
International Special Interest Group) of APTA's Section on Health Policy. The GHSIG is very much involved in monitoring and providing the latest information on crisis situations such as the earthquake in Haiti.
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.)
Here's how you can help the Hatian relief effort:
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 in 2010 by Donna Hutchinson PT, and Jo Ann Roberts PT, brings sustainable rehabilitation services, therapy education, and employment opportunities to Haiti. Their clinic is staffed with a Haitian Clinic Manager, a Haitian Rehab Tech, and volunteer therapists from around the world. The patient population includes children and adults, orthopedics, CVAs, developmental disabilities, trauma, hand injuries,etc. To make a donation to support the clinic, educational services and Haitian salaries please visit www.globaltherapygroup.org. They are currently scheduling volunteers. Please see listing below.
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 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
Global Therapy Group founded in 2010 by Donna Hutchinson PT, and Jo Ann Roberts PT, brings sustainable rehabilitation services, therapy education, and employment opportunities to Haiti. Their clinic is staffed with a Haitian Clinic Manager, a Haitian Rehab Tech, and volunteer therapists from around the world. The patient population includes children and adults, orthopedics, CVAs, developmental disabilities, trauma, hand injuries,etc.
Global Therapy Group is currently scheduling volunteers through 2012 and are seeking PT/OTs for two week rotations and long term rotations of two to six months.
Arrangements have been made for guest housing, transportation, and translator services. If you are interested in volunteering in Haiti 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.
Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO)
HVO is partnering with Hôpital Albert Schweitzer and the Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Haiti (FHASH) - in the implementation of a Rehabilitation Technician Training Program (RTTP). HVO volunteers would provide didactic and clinical instruction in rehabilitative care to approximately 4-6 rehabilitation technician students per year through a 9 month curriculum, January - September. Volunteers are needed for teaching from January - July and clinical education and supervision in August and September. Additionally, volunteers might participate in hospital staff presentations and continuing education for previous graduates of the RTTP. Volunteers are required to have a minimum of 3 years clinical experience, as well as previous international experience. Assignments are 2-4 weeks or more.
Please visit HVO's website at www.hvousa.org and prospective volunteers should contact April Pinner at a.pinner@hvousa.org.
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.
Watch the following video 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 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. 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.
Project Medishare
Project Medishare is committed to helping our Haitian colleagues upgrade their healthcare delivery system. Currently, we are providing care at our hospital in Port-au-Prince, as well as assisting earthquake victims who fled to our communities in the Central Plateau through our Community Health Program. Become a part of this mission by participating in medical trips to Medishare's Bernard Mev trauma and rehabilitation hospital. They are currently seeking volunteer physical therapists of all specialties who are interested in committing to a 1-week rotation or longer as available over the next several months. Please contact Kathy Falter at haitiamputeerehab@med.miami.edu and visit Project Medishare's Web site at www.projectmedishare.org.
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.