Chikungunya outbreak

June 6, 2014 Featured, From the Executive Director

[Photo: In the rainy season, standing water is everywhere. Mosquito control is very difficult.]

Haiti, and at least 16 other Caribbean countries have been hit with a mosquito borne virus with the odd name of chikungunya. It appeared first on the island of St Martin in December. At this point suspected cases of the illness surpass 100,000 in number and there is no reason to think that the infection rate will subside any time soon. The Lamp clinic is right in the middle of the outbreak.

Photo (CDC): aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes are the main transmission route for the disease. This type of mosquito usually bites during the day. They are found all over the world.

In Haiti, Port-au-Prince is the center of the outbreak with thousands of people infected. Although the infection is rarely fatal it is very debilitating. Chikungunya is an African word that means “contorted with pain” — a reference to the fact that a primary symptom is extreme joint pain. Fever and joint pain are the most common symptoms but headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash may also occur. It can be life threatening to newborns, elderly persons, and those with existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. There is no treatment for the disease, but drugs such as acetaminophen help to reduce the pain and discomfort. The price of these drugs has skyrocketed over the last two months.

The area surrounding the Lamp clinic is a low-lying mosquito-ridden area. The Bwa Nèf neighborhood is closed off, on two sides, by a huge tract of swampy land. The new disease has hit Bwa Nèf hard. These days, when our staff arrive at the clinic in the morning there are people lying on the ground, groaning from the pain of this ugly addition to the regular health menaces. And our staff have not avoided the pain either: all of our staff (excepting only one doctor, so far) have already experienced the disease first-hand. It has been a harsh month for our staff but we are not working in Bwa Nèf to avoid challenges. The community of Bwa Nèf needs our commitment (contorted in pain, or not!)

Why Support the Lamp?

May 14, 2014 Featured, From the Medical Director

By Richard Evans, board member

On a global basis, hundreds of organizations work to bring health care to millions of persons living in under-served communities; and, with few exceptions each of these organizations make productive use of charitable contributions. In short, there is no lack of good options for giving. When so many communities and organizations can benefit from your giving, why should you consider giving to LAMP?

We offer continuity of care in a community that otherwise would not be served: LAMP for Haiti is the only medical clinic in Bwa Nèf, a neighborhood of perhaps 15,000 persons, and has been a consistent part of the neighborhood since 2006. A parent or guardian bringing a child or loved one to LAMP can reasonably expect to see the same health care providers each time – even if visits are months or even years apart

We operate to a Western standard of medical practice: LAMP’s clinical standards are no different than those of any fully accredited physician’s office operating in the United States. We have a qualified clinical laboratory on-site, a 12-lead digital EKG, an electronic medical record system, and soon, digital radiography. These technologies enable on-site staff to handle a majority of cases independently, and allow off-site physicians to consult and review as necessary (continued below)

We create jobs and develop careers for Haitians, in Haiti: With the occasional exception of visiting specialists, all of our care is delivered by Haitian physicians and nurses. We invest in the continuing medical education of our medical staff in an effort to continuously improve the care we deliver, with the added benefit of expanding career options for LAMP employees

We invest in education and prevention: Because we are a consistent neighborhood presence, we are able to identify and address common underlying causes of the cases we treat. For example, we have a trained midwife that searches for and educates expectant and new mothers, and provides for the nutritional needs of infants. We operate ‘well-clinics’ at local soccer fields where kids who are not in school and otherwise would not see a physician can receive care. And we built, and financed the maintenance of, shower and toilet facilities – the only plumbing in our neighborhood

We make efficient use of resources entrusted to us: Under some of the most difficult operating conditions in our hemisphere, LAMP for Haiti delivers a Western standard of medical care to a community that would otherwise receive no care, at a cash cost per patient of roughly $20 – less than the average patient’s co-payment for a visit to a US physician

Homegrown eXpertise

April 29, 2014 Featured, From the Executive Director

One of the key principles of the Lamp is to build our organization — and the wider Haitian health system — by hiring and developing talented and committed Haitian professionals.

The unemployment rate in Haiti is murderously high, estimated at 41% for 2013. Of persons who are employed, only one third have formal jobs. Underemployment — where a worker is unable to earn a living wage, unable to provide for the basic needs of their families — affects a huge proportion of those who are considered employed.

Given the scarcity of jobs on one hand, and the overabundance of medical needs on the other, it gives us great satisfaction to provide our services with a fully Haitian staff.

The benefits of this philosophy, for the Lamp and the people of Cité Soleil, are also clear to see on the ground: staff with an intimate knowledge of local culture, language and the intricacies of the Haitian health system.

Denold (future x-ray tech) and manager Benoit discuss some construction issues

Of course, our focus is not only on the wider health system. We also wish to build capacity, whenever possible, right here in the community in which we find ourselves. We engage with community groups, provide community services, and assist with community improvements. We provide jobs wherever possible. It is very thrilling, therefore, to be able to announce that we have hired our first ever medical staff member (and third staffer overall) from Bwa Nèf itself.

Dénold has long proved his commitment to the Lamp’s cause and his genuine concern for his neighbors by volunteering selflessly at the clinic. With the launch of our radiology facilities on the horizon, Dénold has taken up training as an x-ray technician at St. Luke’s Hospital, a generous and collaborative partner agency. St. Luke’s uses x-ray equipment that is very similar to the equipment we will soon be installing. When Dénold returns he will take full responsibility for the operation of the x-ray unit .

Although we could have chosen to hire one of St. Luke’s own technicians, we could not pass up this opportunity to build capacity in Bwa Nèf. Dénold Joseph is an extraordinary young man, smart and compassionate; he will make a terrific addition to our team.

Dr. Sévere joins the Lamp

March 28, 2014 Featured, From the Executive Director

Several years ago, the Lamp realized that there was a large gap in locally available health services, namely that of services for women. We therefore organized a women’s clinic, trained one of our nurses in midwifery and have provided specialized services, two days per week, since then. Now, however, we are moving to expand and improve these services. The first step was to construct a new building that could provide a home for the expanded women’s clinic. Despite delays, we are very close to moving in to this new building. Next, we needed someone to take on the role of women’s clinic director. We hoped very much that we would be able to find a woman for this role.

We are very pleased to announce, therefore, the hire of Dr Ophnie Severe (pictured above). Dr Severe will dedicate her time to the women’s clinic and we are very much looking forward to her energy and ideas. Having a dedicated physician for the women’s health clinic has been a long-standing dream for the Lamp and is certain to take the women’s clinic to a new level of excellence.

Lamp at Midwives for Haiti conference

March 19, 2014 Featured, From the Medical Director

[Picture: Midwives for Haiti graduate Flaure Alcius presents the Lamp’s women’s health program; Dr Hyppolite in foreground]

By In-Country Medical Director Barrère Hyppolite MD

The recent Midwives for Haiti conference was a great opportunity to build relationships with other NGOs, and especially Midwives for Haiti, who work in this field of maternity care. It has given us opportunity to know each other and possibly to create a network in the future. With its in-depth midwife training program Midwives for Haiti is working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health and other partners to have a greater impact on maternal and infant health in Haiti, which has the highest rates of child and maternal mortality in the Caribbean. Also, to allow every woman in this land to be assisted in their pregnancy and assure them a good outcome. It’s a huge task: to gain the confidence of the pregnant patients and convince them to be followed by a qualified person in the field for the happiness of the mother and also for the baby. This is especially important in remote areas, where a hospital may be many hours away.

We believe also, at LAMP, that we have a great mission to fulfill in the field of the maternity care. In the area where we work, in Cité Soleil, there is a lot of work to do: the education of the pregnant patients, the medical care throughout pregnancy, the response to complications and concurrent illnesses. We also believe that we must build up strong relationships with people of the area through the action of community health workers. A community health worker program is our plan for the future.

It is very satisfying to contribute to the decrease of child and maternal morbidity through prevention and treatment, and keep the smile on the face of each mother who wants to give birth; to give, too, a great push to the index of development of our country Haiti.

Electronic Medical Records: Tech Success!

February 24, 2014 From the Executive Director

Feature Photo: Dr Jim Morgan (Lamp co-founder) and Dr Barrère Hyppolite work together on the new OpenMRS system

Below: Staff training on the new system (Nick Sahagian on the far right); Nurse Astrude uses the new system in the pharmacy

Low tech or high tech, the point is to provide the best medical care and the best transparency to donors that we can. In this case, the Lamp is convinced that electronic medical records are indeed the way to improved care, analysis of local health conditions, and reporting. To tell the truth, this is not the first time we have tried to replace our paper system with a digital one. There is no doubt that the change can be a difficult one for staff to manage. More importantly, the system itself must take into account the intermittent access and slow speeds of the internet in Haiti. Our system, therefore, uses a local area network — only — to link the five laptops at the clinic. That is, no internet connection is necessary, except for periodic back-ups.

It is, perhaps, a little early to claim “Tech Success!” but we are very confident that the new system is with us to stay. Over the long run there is little doubt that it will improve patient outcomes through improved access to patient records and the ability to do focused and comprehensive follow-up. Analysis of local health conditions — the ups and downs of cholera or typhoid for example — will be a snap and we will be able to report on our activities without having to stop our activities to do so (!)

Thanks to Nick Sahagian and Partners in Health (Boston) for their priceless assistance in this project!

Young Minds at Work

February 7, 2014 Featured, From the Executive Director

The Lamp is, first and foremost, a health organization. Our health center in Bwa Nèf, Cité Soleil is the heart of our program. But we are also a part of a community, a community in which there is a burning hope to do better in all aspects of life. One obvious evidence of this hope is the number of schools throughout the area. There are five within a short walk of our clinic. You would be hard pressed to find a community with a keener appreciation of education than this one. Education — it is known — is the way to move from mere survival to some small taste of the good life: meaningful work, food on the table, and rest from the endless crises of poverty.

The Lamp sponsors 21 children in these local schools. The pictures show Misterlande and Steevenson receiving their school supplies at the beginning of the year. It is a small program, but it has many benefits. It creates a strong relationship with the leadership of the schools. The owners, principals and teachers are among the most community-minded leaders in the zone, and their support of our other programs is a great benefit for us. The regular income they gain from the sponsored children has a outsize effect on the facilities of their entire schools. The relationship allows us, too, to easily integrate health education sessions into school curriculums. And, of course, we are able to provide a few beautiful children with a basic education.

Recently the kids were asked to provide some information about themselves. Their favorite color, the name of their teacher, and so on. The answers were very touching. When asked about their favorite food fully half said “rice with bean sauce” which is what they eat each day (if they are lucky). Only a few were bold enough (or experienced enough) to say “meat”. When asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, half of them chose “doctor” or “nurse”. That is the good effect of having a fine Haitian-run health center in their neighborhood (the Lamp!), and here’s hoping they achieve their dreams!

Thanks to all!

December 17, 2013 Featured, From the Executive Director

Fifth Annual Concert for Haiti

On Saturday, January 25th the Montclair community once again came together for an evening of music, community-building, and support for Haiti at the Fifth Annual Concert for Haiti.

The concert featured the marvelous Emeline Michel as headliner (the “Joni Mitchell of Haiti”) along with Montclair High School’s Passing Notes, Big Mamou (Zydeco), Zing Experience (Haitian roots, rock and reggae), the Jazz House Kids, the Oxygen Box Band, and a group featuring Cantor Meredith Greenberg, Leora Perlman and Bob Mellman from Temple Ner Tamid. A musical feast, and a sell-out! Thanks to everyone who participated!

Proceeds from the concert went to the Lamp, the Edeyo Foundation which operates a school in the Bel-Air section of Port-au-Prince, and Haitian Education and Leadership Program (HELP) which provides university scholarships to deserving Haitian youth.

Click here for photos and conversation with Emeline Michel and Jim Morgan: Montclair Times article and photos

LAMP: a symbol of life for the people of Cité Soleil

November 26, 2013 Featured, From the Medical Director

By Barrère Hyppolite, In-Country Medical Director for the Lamp

Probably If I tell you that some people come as early as 1:00 a.m. to have the chance to be consulted by a doctor in our clinic you will doubt me. But personally we know, the Haitian local staff with the members of the board of LAMP. And it is certainly not only the free services that we provide that gives us our reputation. It’s because we feel that the patient deserves the best care. We want to be included in their life, walk beside them and help them build something stronger for their future and for their children. People love it when they are given respect, when they are respected for what they bring to society. They want to be part of society, they don’t want to be marginalized. And because the Lamp has considered this part of their life, they want the Lamp to continue and to enlarge its services in the community: the Lamp is their symbol. So it is not a surprise to see people coming at 1 a.m. so that they can get a place and wait until 6 a.m. to get a ticket in order to be one of the people that will be seen by our staff.

Working here is also a chance for us, a great opportunity to help our brothers and sisters of this big slum to have a better life and to facilitate a new tomorrow, saying I feel better, both in my physical health and in my mind.

Global Handwashing Day

October 23, 2013 From the Executive Director

October 15, each year, is Global Handwashing Day. Research shows that the simple action of washing hands with soap on a habitual basis can reduce childhood rates of mortality from acute respiratory and diarrheal diseases by almost 50 per cent. Accordingly, the Lamp took this opportunity to stage our own event in support of this valuable campaign. Our Medical Director writes:

It’s a pleasure to write you about the special day of washing hands on October 15, 2013 at the clinic. Again with the big support of AmeriCares we have transformed this ordinary day into an extraordinarily informative and useful one. For 1 hour and 30 minutes we have educated the 71 persons who were present at this day in the clinic, who followed carefully the instructions and information provided by our nurses. Our nurses made a big demonstration on washing hands and invited the people to come and to reproduce this demonstration. It was totally funny and awesome to see the special care with which the persons did this. After the demonstration, we proceeded to some special quizzes with the people in order to give them as a gift some small hand sanitizers. Later, in the waiting room, the people were able to watch videos on some principles of washing hands, in order to remember the importance of this gesture. A team from AmeriCares Haiti, who provided materials for this event, came to the clinic on this day in order to see our activities. Once finished the consultation, each person received some materials in order to follow the instructions received at the clinic, including soap, hand sanitizers, and various buckets and containers for water.

The more our clinic can act as a conduit for special motivational campaigns such as this, and for health education in general, the less the demand for our services…. and the better we have fulfilled our mission!