Haiti Earthquake Update: CHIDA's team is treating patients

It’s been just over one week since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit southern Haiti. UNICEF now estimates that roughly 1.2 million people, including 540,000 children, have been impacted by the earthquake and tropical depression Grace, which brought heavy rain and substantial flooding to the region just days after the quake, further complicating the situation. Haiti’s government is currently reporting 2,189 fatalities and 12,268 injuries. Unfortunately, we still expect these numbers to rise over the next few days.

Members of CHIDA's team treat patients injured in the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck on August 14

As we continue to develop a complete picture of the devastation, it’s evident that relief efforts from CHIDA (the hospital we work with in Cap-Haitien) will play an important role. Immediately after the earthquake, Dr. Wislyn sent a team of medical professionals from CHIDA to the region. This team has set up a medical base in Camp-Perrin, a rural but densely populated community 28 kilometers (about 17 miles) north of Les Cayes. This base serves the Camp-Perrin community and patients traveling from neighboring towns such as Maniche, where Mayor David Brinard estimated that 98% of the town had been destroyed.

Dr. Wislyn, who was in medical school during the 2010 earthquake, has a first-hand perspective on what is needed both immediately and in the long term. Many of the local hospitals were damaged in the earthquake, amplifying the need for medical care. The skilled doctors and nurses from CHIDA’s team are currently treating injuries directly from the earthquake, including gashes, broken bones, and infections.

Natural disasters exasperate needs within communities such as shelter, access to food and safe water, and sanitation. In fact, the World Health Organization has declared a state of emergency for Haiti for the rest of the year. As CHIDA’s doctors and nurses work to treat the immediate medical needs of survivors, other team members are working to address the long-term needs. We know from experience that meeting these needs in a community takes time, and we're proud to stand with Dr. Wislyn and CHIDA as they help their fellow citizens.

This effort takes time and resources. Please consider donating today. 100% of your donation will go to this emergency response and provide the CHIDA team with the supplies they need to care for those affected by these disasters.

Please join us in praying for Dr. Wislyn, the team from CHIDA, and Haiti as a whole. We are in this together.

DONATE TO CHIDA’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORT

100% of your donation will go to this emergency response.