Our Final Day in Haiti

Our Final Day in Haiti
Despite having accomplished all we set out to do so far this week, the CCC team still had much ground to cover on Friday, our last day here in Haiti. Therefore, we once again split up into two teams, and began to tackle our day as the sun came up. The team led by Dr. Jennifer Lang and consisting of intern Leila and IMC nurse AnneMarie, headed to Hospital St Raphael. Team Limbe, led by CCC nurse Caitlin and consisting of interns Stephen and Yvonne, and IMC nurse Deus, headed to Hospital San Jean. Upon our arrival to Hospital San Jean (about a 45 minute drive from CapHaitien), we were shown the room where we would be screening patients. The screening room where the newly Mary III Clinic was established was spacious enough for us to be able to set up three “See and Treat” stations. We were then introduced to our two trainees, Dr. Calixte and Ruth, the hospital’s charge nurse. By this time, there were already more than 50 women being registered outside the clinic door. Additionally, the hospital had set up an HIV-testing station for all the women who would be screened. Prior to our arrival in Haiti, our equipment had already been delivered to the clinic, and a training session had been conducted by CCC/IMC nurse AnneMarie. Because of this, our trainees were able to smoothly and efficiently begin screening. We were impressed with both Dr. Calixte and Nurse Ruth, finding them to be gentle and adept in each step of the “See and Treat” process. Additionally, we were thrilled to see Ms. Deus comfortably and expertly instructing our new trainees as needed. After every woman who arrived to the clinic had been screened, it was time for our trainees’ graduation ceremony. Dr. Calixte and Nurse Ruth proudly accepted their certificates, and thanked us for coming into their community and teaching them skills that will undoubtedly save many lives for years to come.