The experience of the first medical mission in 2006 was a dramatic statement on the need for a permanent physician in St. Suzanne to meet the medical needs of that village and surrounding villages. When over 1000 people walk to be treated over a six day period it is apparent that a doctor was needed.
But the problem is bigger than that of supplying a doctor. With the population of St. Suzanne and nearby villages being in the thousands, a staffed healthcare delivery system is necessary to make any substantial impact on the situation.
One step in the right direction was taken by HBHH in August of 2006 when it commited to fund the salary of a Haitian doctor.
As can be imagined, the sponsorship of a doctor is much more significant than that of sponsoring a teacher. A doctor's salary is US $1200 per month - as compared with teacher's salaries of US $1200 per year.
In order to successfully underwrite this sponsorship on an ongoing basis, HBHH is asked people to consider sponsoring one month of the doctor's salary.
Because the demand for medical care in this area is far beyond what a single doctor can provide, HBHH is also underwriting medical scholarships for young men and women that have the academic credentials and apptitude to succeed in medical school. By providing medical scholarships to the medical school in Port-au-Prince, HBHH receives a committment from each recepient to return to the St. Suzanne and practice medicine at a reduced salary for a period of five years.
At the present time, HBHH is funding scholarships for one medical students. In addition, HBHH has 5 scholarships for nursing students. Please help by donating to help us in our efforts to increase the medical care in the communities in which we work.
