St. Antoine Hospital in Jeremie, Haiti, will soon have much needed hospital beds, surgical instruments and other hospital supplies, thanks to Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach (HSMO) in Springfield and the diocesan Office for the Missions, who responded to an appeal from the Haiti Ministry of Health for assistance in stocking and supplying the hospital with much needed items.
The shipment included 20 new hospital beds, six exam tables, carts, stretchers, surgical instruments, and several boxes of supplies including bandages, gloves, and gauze.
"This is the first organized shipment where we worked directly with government officials from the recipient country," said Bruce Compton, HSMO president/CEO. "We're especially grateful to have the financial support of the diocesan Mission Office, which covered the costs of shipping and handling through its Haitian Partnership Funds."
The need for medical equipment and supplies at St. Antoine Hospital is unimaginable to the average American, said Compton. "The unfortunate conditions under which patients are treated there are unacceptable, and we are blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference."
More than six months ago, Dr. Robert Auguste, Haiti's Minister of Health and Population, appealed for help to Sister Mary Ann Berard, OSF, who is a Hospital Sister serving in Jeremie with the Haitian Health Foundation.
Sister Mary Ann forwarded the request on to her religious community's Mission Outreach. "After learning of this request, and visiting Jeremie in April, we recognized this urgent need and prepared an inventory list of items that would improve their healthcare services," said Compton.
Mission Outreach also sought help with the international humanitarian effort from Congressman John Shimkus and Janet Sanderson, U.S. ambassador to Haiti.
In the last fiscal year, HSMO shipped medical equipment and supplies to more than 25 countries around the world. Items are donated to HSMO from hospitals, clinics, and organizations that might otherwise dispose of the items.