The International African American Prosthetic & Orthotic Coalition (IAAPOC) has joined with Physicians for Peace’s Walking Free Program in a nationwide drive to collect used prosthetic devices, componentry, and supplies such as prosthetic socks for earthquake survivors in Haiti. IAAPOC spokesman Michael P. Smith, CPO, has previously volunteered with Physicians for Peace in their efforts in the Philippines and said that the coalition chose to work with Physicians for Peace in their Haiti efforts because “they have the necessary infrastructure already in place, and we didn’t want to have to reinvent that.” Donated limbs will be broken down, refurbished, and shipped to Haiti, where they will be used in a Physicians for Peace facility.
Smith stated that members of the IAAPOC have already begun to collect limbs and some plan to volunteer in-country. The coalition decided to make a nationwide appeal for parts because, as Smith said, “the number of components you have is the one thing that limits the number of patients you can see.”
Items may be mailed to IAAPOC, c/o American Orthotic & Prosthetic Center, 1521 Technology Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320.
For more information, contact Michael P. Smith, CPO, at 757.548.5656, or e-mail aopc@att.net
