Haiti is currently experiencing the worst political and civil unrest in recent memory, and the entire country has been at a standstill for weeks. Hospitals, schools, banks and most businesses are shuttered. Everyone is suffering, with fuel, food, water and medical supply shortages across the country. Protests and burning roadblocks make the roads unsafe, and only desperation forces people to go out in search of food, water, and medical care. Rosena Baptiste, Director of Maison de Naissance, recently wrote: “We are still counting on your fervent prayers so the political actors of Haiti realize the Haitian people can not continue to live in misery“.
At Maison de Naissance, it may not be business as usual, but the doors remain open 24 x 7. Our dedicated staff find ways to safely navigate to work every day, often at great risk to themselves, even with fuel prices at $10-$12 per gallon. On a recent Wednesday our social media reporter, who had resorted to riding a bicycle to work in spite of the dangers on the road, told me Maison de Naissance was packed, because it was the only functioning health center in a very large area. She spoke with the staff about how the unrest affects them, and with the patients about the services they received. The staff mentioned fear when commuting, high fuel prices, an increase in mothers coming to deliver with a decrease in other patient visits, up to two hour commutes to avoid protesters, stress, and frustration with the prolonged protests and supply shortages. The patients expressed satisfaction with the care they received, showed appreciation for respectful treatment, and were very thankful Maison de Naissance is still open during these difficult and uncertain times.
While we are doing everything we can to support the courageous work of the Maison de Naissance staff, we can only succeed with the support of you, our donors. Please, consider an extra measure of support in honor of our dedicated staff, who, while facing an apocalyptic existence we can only imagine, continue to battle the odds to maintain a beacon of hope for hundreds of mothers and children at Maison de Naissance.
Click the “Donate Now” button on our homepage, or mail a check to the address in the page footer to show your support!
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