Jennifer Lang, Program Manager, September 26th 2011
This past week, the Haiti team was joined by a group of 7 Physical Therapists affiliated with the University of Scranton. Comprised of professors, former students, alumni, and colleagues, the team included varying specialties such as Pediatrics, Orthotics, and Wound Care which were all utilized to address the varied needs of the population in Southern Haiti.
 Therapist Barbara leading Foyer residents in “Senior-cise” Program |
 Foyer residents stretching to the beat |
 Jen stretching out a young patient at Ile a Vache Orphanage |
The team visited Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary Saint Etienne and conducted wound care training in collaboration with Hope for Haiti’s doctors and nurses. The visit to the Infirmary served to inform them of the challenges of the provision of healthcare in Haiti, especially in comparison to neighboring facilities such as the General Hospital of Les Cayes.
Such challenges often include lack of material resources. The Clinic and Orphanage at Ile a Vache are a perfect example of the difficulties posed by inadequate infrastructure and distance. Run by Sister Flora Banchette, the healthcare facility is the only option for the island’s poorest residents. It currently houses 22 abandoned handicapped children and was able to respond to a cholera outbreak earlier in the season. Despite the Sister’s diligence, stocking the pharmacy, hiring qualified and motivated staff, and maintaining the facility all threaten the quality of care. The team provided occupational and physical therapy for children who are often confined to their wheelchairs and offered continuing education to the orphanage’s staff. After participating in the therapy, Sister Flora thanked the group and expressed her desire to start a more comprehensive program with a live-in intern to train the staff. The 70-year old nun continues to dream of a better future for her community despite their hardships.
 The Team poses with Sr. Flora after a hard day of work |
 Therapist Karen participates in art activity with Foyer resident |
 Three specialties consult on a case Ile a Vache |
The potential in Sister Flora’s dream is exemplified by the care given on the mainland at Missionaries of Charity in Cayes. Due to their extensive network worldwide and the personal commitment of many of the staff members, Sister Guadeloupe has created a comprehensive physical therapy program for her orphaned children. With over 60 handicapped residents, the facility includes a sensory integration room, specialized tools to care for the individual ailments, and general instruments such as Therapy Balls and tables for stretching. The team was impressed by the level of care given at the facility, rivaling some of the best they’ve seen in the U.S.! Each child receives some level of therapy which includes daily stretching of the muscles to help increase flexibility and develop strength. The team was able to share active therapy techniques to encourage the staff to give the children more independence and increase fine motor skills by taking walks or playing with shaving cream.
After the shaving cream activity, Sister Guadeloupe remarked on the ingenuity of the Physical Team members to adapting the strategies they use in their home facilities to the challenges of Haiti. “Next time,” she mused, “the children will use mangoes!”