I leave in less than a month? What?!

Less than 1 month until I leave for 4 weeks in Haiti. I've been shamefully neglectful of this blog, and also shamefully neglectful in doing other preparatory stuff like raising funds, gathering donations, and even making sure I've got all I need.  I can't tell if I'm a) procrastinating, b) really busy, c) jaded as this is my second trip in 2 years, or d) in denial.  And no, e) all of the above is NOT an option.  Or at least I hope it's not an option!

I did make my trek to the travel doctor this last weekend.  Nice to know I am all caught up on my immunizations (I even have a few years left before I need boosters for some of them!).  I got my prescriptions for anti-malarials and some antibiotics so I don't have to deplete the limited supplies at either of my host hospitals.  Self-sufficiency is a must!  My health insurance has changed a bit from last year, especially my prescription coverage, so it will be interesting to see how the costs differ.  I still find it a bit maddening that some of these drugs and immunizations are covered (the malarials are to a point, and the flu shot) while others I am responsible for (like Hep A immunizations).  I understand travel isn't necessary, but you'd think some of this would benefit my insurance, as I will be certainly cheaper to cover if I'm NOT sick. 

I was pleased to hear last week from Advantage Haiti and Medical Teams International (MTI) that there are 2 other PTs arrving into Port au Prince the same day as I am, so we can all 'carpool' in the taptap out to Cayes together.  One travel-related piece of lonlieness resolved!  I'm also excited since that means there will be others in the clinic & guesthouse while I'm there (at least that first week)! 

On my to do list:

1. Contact MTI/Advantage Haiti to get list of donations they are in need of, forward to students/faculty/staff at SMU to see if I can get donations.
2. Find myself scrubs!  I left all my scrubs there last year, so I find myself scrub-less, so to speak.
3. Stock up on power bars, electrolyte gel, and other snacks to pack.
4. Start inventory of my supplies to figure out what I even need to get!
5. Post here more regularly!

And today's Haiti-related link, I saw this on KevinMD's blog today...music & health in Haiti.

2011 Plans Confirmed!

So everything is set.  I'm leaving for Haiti on July 13 (arrive on the 14th), and will spend 2 weeks in Les Cayes with the Advantage Haiti program through MTI.  I will then fly and drive to Deschappelle for 2 weeks at HAS.  I'll be returning to the States on Aug 13, and spending 4 days in NYC before coming home.

I'm getting excited.  I'm scheduled my travel doctor visit to check my immunizations and get more prescriptions for Cipro and anti-malarials.  I've started to inventory my supplies--I will definitely need scrubs and a few other consumables.  I also need to confirm any donations that the clinic needs.  Details, details, details.  This is where I like to be--plans confirmed, details in flux.

Shout out to Judy, Reuben, and Pat for donating!  Remember, you can donate towards my 2 weeks in Cayes and towards my airfare (tax-deductible!) through Medical Teams International http://www.medicalteams.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=405&tab=0&frsid=215

2011 Haiti Birthday Plans

I'm working hard to coordinate my 2 weeks at Advantage Haiti in Les Cayes with my 2 weeks at Hopital Albert Schweizer in Deschappelles. 

I do have my donation page LIVE!  This year Advantage Haiti is under the sponsorship of Medical Teams International (MTI).  Through MTI you can make a tax-deductible donation to support my travel and my first two weeks in Haiti!  $35 sponsors my room & board for one day, or $100 can sponsor a comprehensive day (travel, translation, guesthouse)! Coming soon, I hope to have another donation page for the final 2 weeks.

As always, I appreciate your support in all forms and at all levels.

2011 planning underway

Confirmed...I will be supervising rehabilitation tech students at Hopital Albert Schweizer in Deschappelles, Haiti for two weeks (tentatively July 28-Aug 13).  Now to try and coordinate the 2 weeks prior back at Advantage Haiti in Les Cayes. 

Stay tuned.  And this year I should be able to swing any donations you make into tax deductible donations!

Home, but plotting my return

The logistics of the Advantage Program have been moved to Medical Teams International.  In anticipation of my (eventual) return to Haiti, I submitted my application.  I also am starting to work with Health Volunteers Overseas, after meeting Diane while in Haiti, and hope to split my time in Haiti between the two programs.

Allison Kwessel, a great person and photographer extraordinaire, visited Les Cayes while I was there.  She created this slide show with some of the great photographs she took.