Community Health Initiative Haiti- Komonite Sante Inisyativ Dayiti

Programs: In chi's first three years 496 volunteers participated in 25 medical clinics and three surgical clinics serving a total of 14,716 patients. One surgical clinic in january 2014 performed 49 major surgeries and 23 minor ones, and 1,600 patients were seen. 12 volunteers participated in a july medical trip, in spite of an outbreak of the chickungunya virus. Four local community health workers provide services for 200 hourseholds each all year. They identify sick persons who need follow-up treatment, and provide on-going monitoring for those treated in previous clinic visits. They provide health education and make biweekly school health visits. They identify pregnant women and train them and a midwife or other supper person in helping babies breathe protocols developed by the american academy of pediatrics. In three years 216 mothers were assisted in pregnancy and delivery. Families are provided with safe birthing kits. An electronic medical record system helps health care providers monitor patients and deliver care. 65 haitians are employed during medical team visits.

the clean water program launched in 2012 continued. Thanks to a grant from dartmouth college, 500 more water treatment buckets were distributed. Chi began producing and testing its own chlorine product for water treatment, and nine families began testing the product. Previously 98 percent of water used by the haitian citizens tested positive for fecal coliform bacteria. Water quality workers visit bucket owners monthly to make sure the buckets are being used correctly and to check residual chlorine levels. Workers reported that 97 percent of the water buckets were being used correctly. Two new wells that provide safer water were drilled in 2013.

rsidents in teh communities served are continually surveyed about their needs. Their priorities, in addition to clean water, included buiding a road to offer easier access to their community and building latrines. The road had been completed and 30 composting latrines have been built. Chi was able to secure funds to provide a solar powered streetlight in one remote village. The light is the only electrical outlet for four miles, allowing residents to recharge cell phones, radios and other devices. The community has built bleachers for people waiting for medical care and enches for providers. They also paved a courtyard for clinic visits. To help provide income for residents, a recylcing business was started in the community. So far 18,888 pounds of plastic have been recycled.