Dr. L, medical and shelter director for Chanje Movement.
In June, we reached out to the Chanje Movement Community with an urgent need. The medical and leadership director at Chanje Lakay, Dr. L, was in desperate need of first aid supplies. He was running low on things like bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointments, over the counter pain killers, gloves, masks, medical tape, etc.
After some research and discussion, we found a top of the line first aid kit that would cost $1500. Donors heard the need, met the need and exceeded the need, giving over $2300.* It is extremely difficult to find First Aid kits or products in northern Haiti, so we purchased the kit in the USA and took it to Dr. L during our summer mission trip.
While we were in Haiti, we saw firsthand the impact that medical kit has not only on Dr. L and the kids at Chanje Lakay children’s shelter, but on the entire community. During dinner one night, Dr. L received a phone call from a friend and fellow doctor – who had no supplies of his own. There had been an accident involving a car and motorcycle just a few blocks away and those involved needed medical attention. Dr. L grabbed his kit and rushed to the scene. Luckily there were no major injuries, and with Dr. L’s help, everyone was in good shape.
The accident scenario is not uncommon in the north Haitian community where Chanje Movement operates. There are very few medical clinics and hospitals, and those that exist are often understaffed and under-resourced. Dr. L fills an important need for urgent care type medical services. He also handles all the basic medical needs for the kids at Chanje Lakay. Equipping him with a fully stocked first aid kit will have the ripple of effect of helping many Haitians live healthier and more hope-filled lives.
Dr. L had this to say about the kit. “I really like it. This is the best medical kit I have had in my life. What I really like about it is its color coded. It helps me to work very fast. For example, yellow is for medication and black is for tools. This is very special. In Haiti, because of the gang violence, it’s very difficult to find this kind of kit. Because of that, we really appreciate everyone who donated so that we can have this.”
Medical supplies are an ongoing need for Chanje Movement. If you would like to donate to our organization and help us continue to provide much needed medical services to communities in northern Haiti, please visit www.chanje.org/give
