VOH Clinic Update July 2009
Bonjou Tout Moun:
The first year of duties as School Nurse has ended with the last day of school which was on June 19, although several special clinic days will be held during Vacation Bible School and Enrichment week, just in case any of the students require attention.

Since October when the office opened a total of 913 consultations were provided for both students and staff.  This includes a number of staff members who are being routinely followed for issues related to high blood pressure.

We were fortunate to have had 3 medical mission visits this year, provided once by a team from Faith Sarasota Church in Sarasota, Florida and twice by a team from Pittman Park United Methodist Church in Statesboro, Georgia.  The teams provided care to the school population and 672 local community members.  Dental care was provided during two of the clinics.  There are a number of people walking about less one or more teeth but happy, not to be suffering from continual toothaches.  Each of the teams also carried their care and treatment to the residents and students at Grace Mission.  Thanks to collaboration with the Ganthier Health Center we were able to provide 3 days of vaccinations during the medical mission in June.   A number of the eligible female students began their tetanus vaccinations and quite a few of the parents of kindergarten students took advantage to update and/or complete the vaccination schedules for their children.

Health education for the most part revolved around International Health Days….such as World Water Day and Earth Day and concluded with a big clean up of the school grounds by the students to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th.  As we all know old habits die hard, so the work of litter control will continue when school opens in September.  The Enrichment classes will be painting the new drums provided for garbage with various slogans and pictures encouraging folks to protect our environment.  Individual counseling during consultations was the other major focus for health teaching this year.  Hygiene, hand washing, diet, family planning, women’s health are just several of the subjects that were discussed.

Activities and plans related to the construction of the actual clinic building were also carried out during the past months.  Currently an architect is preparing the final drawings for the building.  It is our hope to have the ground breaking during the Haiti Board meeting in October and then to begin the actual construction in January. 

How quickly the months have flown by!  It has been a rewarding time laying the groundwork for the future clinic and beginning health care at the school.  The coming months will be busy ones, as well and it is with great anticipation that we look to greeting them and the work ahead. 
Wishing all of you a safe and happy summer. 

Bon Dye Beni Nou.
Debbie

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