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From: Al Ingersoll CP [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 5:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Haiti – One year P&O summary
Bonjour Paul,
I ask your assistance posting this summary on Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
____________________________________________________________________________
Today marks one year since the Haiti earthquake and much will be written
about the international response, setbacks, current situation and future
plans. This email is to update about the prosthetics and orthotics
community réponse since January 12, 2010.
In one year:
* Fifteen organizations are now active providing prosthetic limbs,
with a few providing orthotic services. Additional 3 – 4 in setup phase.
* 1500+ lower extremity prosthetic limbs fit and less than 100 upper
extremity prosthetics. Approximately half are people with pre-quake
amputation. Hundreds of custom orthotics fit.
* Haiti P&O Education program in development and on-the-job
orientation continues.
* Technology is varied depending on organization.
* Import and customs clearance are still difficult.
* Tens of thousands of therapy sessions provided.
* Disabled Persons Organizations are active with awareness
campaigns, counseling and assistance.
* Hundreds of ISPO Category I and II personnel have responded.
* Public transportation for people with disabilities is very limited
and complicates delivery of service.
Long term functioning of P&O in Haiti’s depends on a strong education plan
and a proposal to utilize El Salvador’s University of Don Bosco curriculum
is in final stages of development. The concept combines distance learning
delivered material with onsite instruction and reinforcement practice at
functioning facilities with ISPO Category I or II supervision and testing at
each module end. In late 2010 the Dominican Republic started this same
program.
Multiple organizations are building structures to provide physical medicine
and rehabilitation services.
Employment opportunities are still available for ISPO credentialed people
looking to help build the capacity of Haiti’s future P&O service.
Haiti continues to experience many challenges and long term rebuilding
requires consistent, strong organizations willing to stay the course.
Donations of money are still very much appreciated.
Thank you for all your responses, donations and assistance!
Take care,
Al
Al Ingersoll CP, BA
Prosthetics & Orthotics Program Director
Healing Hands for Haiti International Foundation
92, Ave. John Brown, Lalue/Post Marchand, Port au Prince
20, Ave. Lamartiniere, Bois Verna, Port au Prince
509.3702.4431 cell
