Helping Haiti

Media footage showing the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti hit close to home for consumers in the Delaware Region who have relatives in Haiti. One consumer’s mother had been visiting relatives in Haiti when the earthquake struck, and plans to return home soon. Community Continuum of Care (CCCP) RN, Kay Wilz, heard that a local hospital was sending medical supplies to Haiti and decided that there was a way that the Program could help. Some consumers take injectable medications to manage their illness. The pharmacy delivers the medications with two needles, which allows the consumer to decide on the site of the injection. Typically, we save and later destroy the unused needle. This time, however, we put the needles to good use by giving them to the hospital to send to Haiti along with their medical supplies.

Mental Health America (MHA) recently ran an article from Voice of America expressing similar concerns that Haitians are likely to face mental health issues.  MHA states:  The mental health of Haitians will be a long-term issue, experts say, and many won’t experience the full effects of the disaster on their lives until after the situation stabilizes. Psychiatrists say one of the ramifications of the earthquake is the loss of a sense of structure, which is especially important. An estimated eight to 10 percent of the population is likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Relief workers and responders, and even journalists, are also likely to need mental health counseling. (Voice of America, 1/20/10)