New Landcruiser Ambulance Arrives at Maison de Naissance

Many of you may recall our 2017 appeal to purchase a new Toyota Landcruiser ambulance. Finally, after almost nine months in customs, it was delivered to Maison de Naissance this June. A celebratory event was held, including a blessing of the new vehicle by the local Episcopal priest.

Last January, the old vehicle, on its last legs, suffered a catastrophic failure, and was irreparable. Since then, the staff has been managing with 3 small motorbikes, and a Ministry of Health Landcruiser for extreme emergencies (when available).

The arrival of the new Landcruiser was cause for celebration for several reasons – the old vehicle has spent as much time in repair as on the road during the past year; our ambulance is critical to insuring timely emergency transportation of laboring and post-natal mothers as needed; and, when it is not otherwise occupied, we use it to provide transportation for the staff. Most of them do not own a vehicle of any type, and reliance on motorcycle taxis every day is far from ideal in Haiti’s climate and on the rough, rural roadways. In addition, a number of mothers have been collected by the roadside while walking to Maison de Naissance to deliver their babies, or even after delivering on the side of the road, when the babies refused to wait. We can’t pick them up without an ambulance.

After spending six months without an ambulance, we have decided to purchase a second vehicle, so we will never be without one in a time of emergency. We have been approved for a $40,000 matching funds grant by Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. If you would like to support this effort, please visit  www.gbhf.noukod.net and click the “Donate Now” button!