Serving the Mental Health Needs of the Haitian Community since 1999.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

First Polycarpe Relief Mission to Carrefour, Haiti a Success

Team Polycarpe arrived in Carrefour, Haiti after a one day plane ride along with a six hour drive from the Dominican Republic was completed. Much needed medical supplies were brought and mental health assesments of the residents of Carrefour, Haiti was the main objective, especially the status of the children was the utmost concern. Recreational days was part of the assesment process as children were allowed to play and be themselves by use of dance, theatre, drawing, and playing games such as dominoes, checkers and hop scotch. Over 400 people were seen and 52% of the children reported symptoms of PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was different seeing the devastation from the inside looking out. Many areas of Haiti had not recieved any relief as of yet and are still waiting for efforts to reach their pocketed areas. Everyone is sleepinng in the streets due to being displaced or fear of being inside of buildings. "The street is my living room," as one Haitian put it. That is quite apparent with so many make shift shelters that are popping up everywhere in Haiti. Some are sleeping on mattresses, some on sheets and others on the bare road which quite a few are unpaved. Most Haitians are hoping that help does not come too late for them. Help Polycarpe reach those underserved areas such as Carrefour, Haiti by making a monetary donation at any SunTrust Bank. For more information on how to become a Medical Volunteer contact: ..............Patrick Delerme pdelerme@polycarpe.org. (www.polycarpe.org)