Haiti Relief Bookmark and Share


Dear Friends,


Many of you have asked how you might help with the crisis in Haiti. As you may know, the Center has had a close relationship with the people of Haiti for many years through various programs, including a volunteer student program known as "Project Haiti."  In an effort to simplify this process, all donations to support "Project Haiti," including the relief efforts following the recent earthquake,  may be sent to The Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics (CMHE)  "Project Haiti."  Under my discretion, these funds will be used to support relief efforts, faculty initiatives, student efforts and other program as needed that directly benefit the citizens of Haiti. 


I spent my childhood there, and through my work here at the Center I've been privileged to maintain close ties there. Our student program in Haiti consists of a group of medical students and faculty advisors who've partnered with Project Medishare to provide mobile medical clinics in some of the more rural Haitian communities. Last year during just one week in Haiti, our medical team - ten students, four doctors and three interpreters - provided primary care to over 600 patients. I have made myself available to several aid organizations as a Creole-speaking doctor who is ready to go and help with the current disaster relief effort (see updates below). We will be sending another team to Haiti this spring. We expect the cost to be about $26,000 (includes the money we use to buy pharmaceuticals and supplies from Project Medishare).


If you would like to contribute to CMHE Project Haiti, you may donate through our website. 


We also have close ties to Dr. Paul Farmer, who visited with our students and faculty in 2008 and whose much lauded organization, Partners in Health, is mounting a well-coordinated rapid response to the catastrophe. For more information on Partners in Health, please see www.pih.org.


Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti, and with all those reaching out to them in this very difficult time. For more information, please contact Stephanie De La Vega at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 210-567-0795.


I Want to volunteer in Haiti - What do I do?

Health Care Professionals: For information on current relief efforts, check the PAHO Health Cluster updates and the AAMC web site. Potential volunteers should review important information developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


For information on mentoring students scheduled to travel to Haiti this April, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .


Students interested in participating in Project Haiti should contact student leaders Beth Melia or Sheridan Fielding.









Update: 01-27-10: Dr. Curiel is keeping a blog on the KSAT web page. Read his updates from Haiti at http://www.ksat.com/news/22333638/detail.html.


Update: 01-23-10 - Dr. Tyler Curiel has landed safely in Jimaní, and both he and Dr. Berggren are doing well. We thank everyone who contributed supplies and funds for their trip. Dr. Curiel was also able to bring donated goodie bags for children displaced by the earthquakes, and these have been a big hit with kids and adults alike - especially the lollipops.


Update: 01-20-10 - Many have inquired as to the status in Jimaní, where Dr. Berggren is, after the major aftershock in Port-au-Prince this morning. She is fine, and services are uninterrupted. They did not feel anything there. They are slowly getting increases in supplies and personnel, but remain overwhelmed. Donated funds to Project Haiti are currently being used to purchase supplies and medication per the request of Dr. Berggren, and will be taken to her on January 22nd. Thank you again.


Update: 01-18-10 - Dr. Berggren is safely in Jimaní, on the Dominican border with Haiti and is hard at work. There is no concern for her personal safety, and she has food and shelter.We ask that you do not call, text or e-mail her directly, as battery supply is low, and time is short. Messages can be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and we will continue to update you on her status. Dr. Tyler Curiel plans to join her in Haiti January 22.


Update: 01-15-10 - Dr. Berggren is leaving for Haiti at 6 PM with Remote Area Medical, a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free care, services, technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world. She is expected to serve in rural areas of Haiti for two weeks. The Center wishes to thank all of those who have donated to Project Haiti and assisted Dr. Berggren as she prepares for her trip, especially HEB for their generous donation of life-saving supplies.