VISITORS - Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti

 VISITORS Information Guide Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. MISSION 3 2. VISION 3. HISTORY 4. ABOUT THE HOSPITAL 5. PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO HAS 6. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE 7. SECURITY 8. HOUSING 9. HAITIAN CULTURE AND LIFE ON CAMPUS 10. LEISURE ACTIVITIES 11. DEPARTING HAITI 12. HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS 13. KREYOL 101 14. PACKING CHECK LIST 3 3 4 5 11 13 14 16 19 21 22 23 26 Page 2 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 1. MISSION The mission of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) Haiti is to collaborate with the people of the Artibonite Valley as they strive to improve their health and quality of life. 2. VISION HAS is an integrated health care organization that provides hospital and community based services that promise exceptional care. 3. HISTORY HAS Haiti was founded by Dr. and Mrs. Larimer Mellon based on Dr. Schweitzer’s ethic of “Reverence for Life.” This all-­‐encompassing philosophy continues to be the driving force in all aspects of hospital and community life. The success and the future of HAS is closely related to Dr. and Mrs. Mellon’s awareness of the rightful pride, dignity and sensitivity of their hosts as they work with Haitian people in their country. HAS seeks therefore to serve in partnership and fellowship with the people in accordance with the spirit of “Reverence for Life”–
all life. Dr. Mellon was born in Pittsburgh; he moved to Arizona as a young man to run a cattle ranch, where he met and married Gwen Grant Rawson. In 1947, they read a Life magazine article about Albert Schweitzer and his mission hospital in Lambarene, West Africa. In corresponding with Dr. Schweitzer, Larry was inspired to begin a similar medical venture, enrolled in medical school, and earned his M.D. at age 44. Larry and Gwen founded Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) in Deschapelles in 1956. Dr. Mellon passed away in 1989 and was succeeded by Mrs. Mellon, who continued to live in Deschapelles and provide direction to HAS. She died in November 2000. Page 3 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 4. ABOUT THE HOSPITAL Deschapelles is located 90 miles north of Port-­‐au-­‐Prince (3 hours by car). HAS serves approximately 350,000 people in a 610-­‐square-­‐mile area in central Haiti’s Artibonite Valley. The organization comprises: • A 130-­‐bed referral hospital providing maternal and pediatric services, internal medicine, surgical, emergency, prosthetic , orthotic and rehabilitation services. • An Integrated Community Services team of professional staff and trained village health workers providing disease prevention and treatment services in four community-­‐based dispensaries and in people’s homes as needed. The team also manages well and water sanitation programs that help prevent infectious disease; and economic development projects, such as reforestation and agricultural programs, to help address the poverty that causes malnutrition. Page 4 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 5. PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO HAS Inform us of your travel plans. Guests are asked to make their own travel arrangements and communicate final travel plans to Jennifer Denike, the Manager of Development and Hospitality ([email protected] ) In order for the HAS travel team to arrange for your ground transportation in Haiti, please provide your flight numbers, including exact arrival and departure times, so that ground transportation and accommodation may be arranged for you in Haiti. As it is expensive to send a car to Port-­‐au-­‐Prince, we request that you do not schedule your arrival or departure on Mondays or Wednesdays. Also, if possible, please schedule your flight to arrive before 3 pm as it is our policy not to drive to Deschapelles in the dark. Bring your passport and other required documents. Passports are required for all nationals. American, Canadian and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter Haiti; however, all other visitors may be required to present a visa. Please make sure that your passport is valid six months after your travel dates. Communicate with HAS about medical preparation and financial contributions. Surgical teams may also contact [email protected] to receive more information about the OR and surgery at HAS, and to find out what materials you will need to bring for your scheduled procedures. Please communicate with your point-­‐person about the charges HAS will cover on your behalf. Payments can be made on campus with a check or cash; payments can also be made online, by telephone, or by direct bank/wire transfers or gifts of stock. Please contact [email protected] for more information regarding payments. Follow your physician’s advice on immunizations and other medical precautions. Consult your physician for current recommendations on immunizations and other precautions you should take in preparation for your trip to Haiti. There are no specific immunizations required for Haiti. Generally, your routine immunizations should be up-­‐to-­‐date. Adults should have had a diphtheria/ tetanus (adult dT) booster within the past 10 years. While not mandatory, short-­‐
term employees and their families are advised to have Hepatitis A immunization before arriving, if possible. All health workers should have already had their Hepatitis B immunization. Page 5 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide The CDC recommendation for avoiding malaria is to take 500 mg of Chloroquine (malaria prophylaxis) one week prior to arrival, once a week during your stay, and continuing for four weeks after departure. Arrange for your first dose through your physician. Subsequent doses can be procured at HAS. Remember that the best protection against malaria is to prevent mosquito bites by avoiding being outside at dusk or dawn, by wearing long clothing, and by using bug spray liberally. Bring any personal medications, such as asthma or allergy medicine, and any over-­‐the-­‐
counter medications you may need. Medications are available at HAS; however, specific medications that you might require may not be available. You may want to bring Immodium, Pepto-­‐Bismol, or cold medications for your personal use. If needed, emergency medical care, including consultations, treatment, and available medications, will be provided at the hospital. Other Important Health-­‐Related Precautions • Stay hydrated and well rested during your stay; tropical heat can cause dehydration and fatigue. • Street food may not be safe from bacteria. Generally, food prepared in HAS campus houses is safe from parasites and bacteria. • HIV/AIDS and STDs are a reality throughout the world, and Haiti is no exception. Precautions regarding intimate relationships and the handling of blood and body fluids are essential. Notes on Tuberculosis Please note that Tuberculosis is a very common disease in Haiti, and many people don’t even know that they are infected. It is likely that you will come in contact with people that are contagious, not only at the hospital, but in other areas as well. In the hospital, TB patients are isolated in the TB ward, but isolation is not as strict as in the US due to limitations of infrastructure and logistics. Although TB is contagious, it is difficult to contract without prolonged exposure, but volunteers should be aware of the risks. For more information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tb/. Volunteers should take precautions such as wearing a mask when working directly with TB-­‐infected patients. Page 6 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Visit the U.S. CDC website for comprehensive recommendations and precautions The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides comprehensive recommendations and precautions for persons working in post-­‐earthquake Haiti. They are excellent, and we strongly recommend you look through this website to review what you can expect and the precautions you need to take for your visit to Haiti. In particular, note the list of supplies suggested. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/haiti.htm Mobile Phone and Internet Use Haitian mobile phone networks are functioning. If your phone takes an international SIM card, you may be able to use it during your stay by purchasing a local SIM for roughly $1 USD. Some foreign phone services, including Blackberry data services, are available. Most long-­‐term visitors purchase a basic phone in Deschapelles or nearby Verrettes for roughly $20 USD. Local phones use pre-­‐paid credit; one can purchase credit on the HAS campus. A detailed phone FAQ is available upon request – please email [email protected] -­‐ or inquire upon arrival. There are two ways of accessing the Internet on campus. You can use the wireless pay-­‐for-­‐net service or you can opt to purchase an Internet USB stick. The wireless pay-­‐for-­‐net service has good coverage in Kay Alumni. You’ll need a credit or debit card to create your pay-­‐for-­‐net account. Your computer will pick up the wireless signal “PayforNet”/”Hotspot” and will allow you to enter your card information to purchase a data plan. Internet usage is calculated by the amount of data you use (for example, $3 buys 25 MB), so simply viewing email uses less than making a Skype call. Bandwidth Name Price Time Period Traffic limit limit One Day 24 HOURS 3.00 USD 512 / 512 25 MB (25MB) One Week 1 WEEK 15.00 USD 512 / 512 500 MB (500MB) Two Weeks 2 WEEK 30.00 USD 512 / 512 1000 MB (1000MB) One Month 1 MONTH 50.00 USD 1024 / 1024 4000 MB (5000MB) Page 7 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Public computers are not provided so plan to bring your own computer for personal use. Long-­‐term visitors generally purchase an Internet USB stick because they provide access nearly anywhere and for a flat rate, one can purchase a monthly unlimited data plan. Note: medical volunteers can request a password from the nursing secretary to access free WLAN Internet in the hospital library, but the MB usage is limited; downloading large documents or photos is not possible. Planning for minimal access to communication can help reduce frustration. Currency The monetary unit in Haiti is the gourde. The exchange rate for $1.00 U.S. is approximately 40 gourdes. Most Haitians talk in terms of Haitian dollars; although there are no physical dollars; one Haitian dollar is equivalent to five gourdes. Haitian gourdes are not exchangeable outside Haiti. Please do not leave large amounts of cash or other valuables in your house. US dollars or personal checks may be exchanged for gourdes in the Business Office from 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm Monday – Friday. Many Haitian businesses, especially in the capital and resort areas, accept credit cards. Electricity The electrical system on campus is provided by diesel generators and is 110 volt—the same as the US and Canada. The electrical outlets conform to North American design. Electronics from Europe and elsewhere may require an adaptor. Electricity is not common in surrounding communities. Time Zone The time in Haiti is the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time and also honors Daylight Savings Time, so the time in Haiti always corresponds with U.S. EST time zone. Page 8 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Clothing do’s and don’ts for guests and visiting healthcare volunteers • Pack lightly. • Plan for hot days (100+ degrees Fahrenheit) and cool or even chilly nights. Your campus accommodations are not climate-­‐controlled. • Bring comfortable, sturdy, water-­‐repellent/waterproof footwear – ideally, tennis shoes and thick-­‐soled sandals – for off-­‐duty hours. • Bring fast-­‐drying, loose cotton clothing that will provide protection against insect bites, but also help you stay cool and dry. For those visitors staying for a few weeks or more, note that laundry is done by hand and dried in the sun, which can sometimes wear out clothing. • Bring swimwear; there is a pool on campus. • Dress modestly. While it is not much different being a woman in Haiti than in any large city, immodest dress or behavior will certainly attract undesirable attention. • Healthcare professionals should bring appropriate lab coats, scrubs, or uniforms. • Shorts are not appropriate in the hospital. • At your discretion, you’re welcome to bring smart casual clothing for the occasional dinner outing. Baggage Limitations Most airlines permit one carry-­‐on bag and one checked bag for the trip to Haiti. Check with your airline to confirm your baggage allowances. Checked baggage weight limit is 50 pounds with a total height, width and length dimension of 62”. Carry-­‐on luggage is limited to 40 pounds and a 45” dimension. If you are a healthcare professional who will work at HAS during your stay, a few days before your trip you may receive supplies to be brought to the hospital in Haiti. This will be your second checked piece of luggage to a maximum weight of 50 pounds. This will preferentially arrive as a packed box. When you receive the box, please open it and inspect the contents and reseal the box; this way, when airline security asks “Did you pack the box?” you can truthfully answer “Yes”. If you are charged for overweight or extra luggage, try to explain the humanitarian purpose of your visit. Please keep a record of any charges and you will be reimbursed. Page 9 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Incidentals For your personal comfort, you may wish to pack your own favorite snack foods to have in Haiti. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may want to consider packing spares. Finally, don’t forget to pack your most valuable possessions – flexibility, patience and a sense of humor – along with water to carry on your drive to Deschapelles. Material Donations One way in which some people wish to contribute to HAS is by materials donations. If you would like to bring medicines or other supplies to donate to the hospital, please consider the following: 1. We are always in need of basic medications and materials such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen), patient gowns, surgical gloves, bandages, etc. All donations of this kind must arrive unopened in order for us to be able to verify their quality and distribute them to patients. 2. Please ensure that medications are not expired. We request that all medications have at least 6 months until their expiration from the date of your arrival in Haiti. We cannot use or distribute medication that is past its expiration date for safety reasons, as it can harm patients and healthcare professionals alike. We destroy expired medical materials in a controlled environment. All donations must be brought directly to the medical depot on the HAS campus. If you have any questions before your arrival, you may direct them to Dan Leber, Manager of Supply Chain and Logistics ([email protected]).” Page 10 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 6. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE Immigration Arrival at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-­‐au-­‐Prince is simple and organized. Once you leave the plane, you will be directed by airport personnel down a hallway lined with windows. You will remain on the same level until you reach the immigration area. You may line up at any of the stations, at which you will present your passport and green immigration form that you received on the plane. You will be asked how long you will be staying in Haiti as well as where you will be staying. You may write: “Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Deschapelles, Haiti.” The hospital is well known and respected at the airport. Save the small portion of the green immigration form as it serves as your exit visa and you will need it to exit the country. Baggage Claim and Customs Then you will follow the signs, walking to the right, and will take the first staircase/escalator to the left (there will likely be an airport employee directing you) down to the baggage claim area. If you do not see your bag on the conveyor belt, it may be already unloaded and on the floor. Sometimes airport personnel, wearing white shirts and lanyards, will offer to help you find your bag using the baggage ticket you were given at your airport of origin. If you accept their help, you will be expected to offer a tip, so it helps to have small bills handy (payment of $1 US per bag is standard). Many may attempt to help you at once, so select just one and note the number on his badge. After you find your baggage, you may follow the sign just a few meters to customs, where there will be an officer collecting the white customs forms that you also received and completed on the plane. You need only hand the form over, but have your passport ready in case the officer asks to see it, too. Do not pay any fees (bribes) to customs officials. Exiting the Airport Once through customs, you will follow the hallway another few meters, and you will exit the building to the pickup area. An HAS driver will be waiting with a sign, either with your name or with the words “Hôpital Albert Schweitzer.” On some occasions, a porter will hold a sign inside the airport that says Hôpital Albert Schweitzer and offer to bring you from the baggage claim area to the HAS driver and demand payment. There is no need to accept his help as you can simply exit the airport and find the driver holding the sign. From there you will have a short walk to the parking lot, and begin the drive (which usually takes about 3 hours) to the hospital. In some cases, there may be other people arriving on a later flight than you. In that event, the driver will take you to a nearby hotel called Visa Lodge where you can relax until the driver returns to pick you up to for the drive to the hospital. Page 11 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Late Arrivals If your plane is delayed or your travel arrangements were not clear, it is possible you may not see the HAS driver. Do not leave the exit area to search for the driver. Should this occur you should first make a phone call to your onsite contact (arranged before your departure). Many passengers debarking from the plane will have a cell phone with inexpensive local calling; you will likely be able to ask a fellow passenger to help you make the call. Should you not be able to get through to your onsite contact and the driver still does not come after an hour or so, you can opt to take a taxi (should be plentiful) to the Visa Lodge, a US-­‐standard hotel that is close to the airport on Route des Nîmes. Taxi fare is approximately $15 US; the hotel features a restaurant with food and drinks to provide a safe and comfortable base to make your next move. The hotel rate is between $75-­‐100 USD. You can reach the Visa Lodge at +509 2813 0777. From the Visa Lodge you can re-­‐try your onsite contact or connect with the HAS Port-­‐au-­‐Prince Office (located at 10 Rue Clercine) at +509 3890 1703. During normal business hours, you can also call the dispatching office in Deschapelles at +509 3890 1705. An HAS vehicle will be sent for you as soon as possible. After normal business hours, call the Dispatching Manager, Ricardo Longchamp, at +509 3756 3366. Do not take a taxi to Deschapelles; some drivers may offer that service, but charges will be exorbitant. Lost Luggage If your luggage is lost in transport, you will need to go to the Baggage Claim Desk before leaving the airport. You will be asked to present your baggage claim tickets and fill out a lost baggage claim form (one form per bag). Give the Port-­‐
au-­‐Prince office phone number (+509 3890-­‐1703) as a contact and keep a copy of the lost bag form. Leave the original baggage claim ticket(s) and claim form(s) with the HAS office in Port-­‐au-­‐Prince. They will pick up your lost bags when they arrive and send them on to Deschapelles. Page 12 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 7. SECURITY Because Haiti is in a transition phase, negative events are often in the news and may create concern for personal safety. Deschapelles is usually much safer than Port-­‐au-­‐Prince, but there can be roadblocks in the neighborhood or protests. Please be aware that the U.S. State Department still has an active travel warning for US citizens planning to visit Haiti. Please make sure to review: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5737.html. Volunteers must accept the risk of travelling to Haiti when applying to HAS. As is true anywhere, everyone has to be cautious about robbery and theft. HAS cannot be held accountable for such incidents. Volunteers are asked not to leave valuable items unattended, neither in the hospital nor in the guest houses, and to bring a safety lock to lock valuable items in his/her suitcase or in a drawer in his/her room. Passports and other valuables that the volunteer doesn’t need daily can be stored in a safe in the administration office. Foreigners at HAS are generally highly regarded by Haitians, as long as they concentrate on health and development issues, and do not try to become involved in politics or in sensitive cultural issues. Common sense anywhere in today’s world dictates that you keep your doors locked, a security light on at night, and that you do not wander around off campus at night. Security guards or any campus resident will help if needed. Security assistance is available 24 hours a day at the main door and at the security office (see map). You ultimately are responsible for your safety and should not take on any risks with which you are not comfortable. HAS Campus security can be reached at +509 3632 4286. Hospital Entrance A watchman is on duty at this entrance at all times. HAS identification badges are required to enter the hospital. All packages and baskets carried from the hospital are subject to examination by a security guard. Page 13 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 8. HOUSING Housing for foreign and non-­‐local Haitian staff is provided on hospital grounds. Short-­‐term visitors share rooms in guesthouses with other visitors. The guesthouse staff will wash and iron clothing every day except Sunday. The staff serve breakfast from 6:30-­‐7:30 am, lunch from 12:00-­‐1:00 pm, and dinner at 6:30 pm. It is strongly recommended that you do not invite guests into the HAS residential area, but rather arrange to meet them off-­‐site. Meals and Special Dietary Requirements You will have three meals prepared for you by the house cooks. The food will consist of beans and rice, spaghetti, pizza, stew, chicken, red meat, green salad, fruit salad, home-­‐baked bread, pancakes, eggs, and coffee. Note: If you have food allergies or special dietary requirements, please inform HAS Manager of Development and Hospitality Jennifer Denike when you provide your travel plans. ([email protected] ) Your maid will keep your kitchen supplied with filtered drinking water. To avoid dehydration, it is recommended that you carry water with you at all times. Water is supplied to HAS from springs and wells, and chlorinated before being piped to HAS buildings. For conservation purposes the water is customarily shut off to campus housing mid-­‐morning, mid-­‐afternoon, and at night. Available Beverages 1) Beverages include freshly squeezed fruit juice with cold water and ice. (The water on the HAS campus is potable.) 2) Coke and Sprite are available for purchase at approximately $0.75 USD each, or you can purchase a case of 24 at a time in the local market for approximately $10.00. 3) The local beer, Prestige, can be purchased at approximately $1.25 USD or a case of 24 for approximately $20.00 USD. 4) Rum -­‐ Haitian rum available locally at market price. Page 14 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Showering Running water is almost always available at the guesthouses, but the water pressure is best during the set hours of 6-­‐7 am, noon-­‐1 pm, and 6-­‐7 pm. Most other houses have running water only during the set times. Time your showers accordingly if you want running water. The other option is to take a bucket bath with the five-­‐gallon buckets of water available in each bathroom. The buckets of water can also be used to flush the toilet when the water pressure is too low. Page 15 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 9. HAITIAN CULTURE AND LIFE ON CAMPUS Language French and Creole are the official languages of Haiti, although English is commonly used at HAS and is the official language for medical records. Interpreters are available for medical professionals at HAS. A local Creole teacher is available for hire; his rate as of October 2012 was $50 USD for sixteen one-­‐
hour classes. Please contact the Partnership Facilitator, Jennifer Denike ([email protected] ), upon arrival if you are interested in enrolling. The following websites offer courses in Haitian Creole: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Creole_language http://www.languageresourceonline.com/languages/learn-­‐haitiancreole http://www.multilingualbooks.com/creole.html
Shifting Gears We recognize that it may be difficult to shift gears from a high-­‐speed, high-­‐
technology environment to one with more limited resources, and one that appears to operate at a slower pace. We are always amazed at what we can achieve despite the organization’s limitations. We have made substantial changes in the 50 years since the hospital first opened, and the stimulus for these changes has typically come from the ideas of our visitors and collaborators. We are pleased that you have chosen to join us in this effort and we welcome your advice and insights at any time. People in local communities usually realize the sacrifices foreigners make to live and work in difficult situations, and they are most appreciative of their efforts. Those efforts should include being sensitive to the culture, mores and traditions of Haiti. Photography It is recommended that you do not photograph Haitians without their express permission. Photographs and videotape may not be taken inside the hospital unless specific arrangements are made in advance with hospital management. We value the privacy of our patients, and try to be culturally sensitive at all times. Page 16 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Cultural Perceptions Cross-­‐cultural perceptions may present particular problems to some racial and ethnic groups such as Euro-­‐Africans and even, notably, people of Haitian descent from abroad. It is common for people of color to be called “blan” or white, which actually signifies foreigner to a Haitian. Hispanics may not be perceived as North Americans, and may be presumed to be from the Dominican Republic. Asians and people of Asian descent may be stereotyped as a result of the “Kung Fu” popularity. Gay men and lesbians may encounter prejudice in rural areas. However, Haitians are more willing to accept homosexuality among foreigners than among their own nationals. Senior men and women usually engender respect from Haitians, as elders are revered in their tradition. Seniors often have an easier time adapting to an environment deprived of high-­‐tech electronic systems, television and other amenities that were not necessarily part of their life histories. They also have rich experience and knowledge to share, which can be a source of great gratification. Culture shock is a typical reaction to life in a new environment. This process can lead to greater understanding but can be a difficult process to tolerate. It can take many forms. The classic process is: 1) “The Honeymoon,” when you just love Haiti and everything about it; 2) “The Fall,” when certain aspects of the culture begin to bother you and you cannot reconcile your reactions; 3) “Bottom Out,” when experiences and observations become upsetting enough to tempt you to leave; and 4) “Refractory Period,” when you regain perspective and optimism Lack of privacy, as you become a visible focus for many Haitians, may cause unexpected stress. It will be difficult at times to be polite, patient and noncritical. Some ways to handle culture shock are to be forgiving and kind to yourself, to talk about your daily experiences with acquaintances and to keep a journal. Page 17 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Requests for Financial Support In general, Haitians are friendly towards foreigners, especially in the rural areas. The people of Haiti have many needs, and our neighbors are delighted to welcome you in their midst. As you develop friendships, you may be asked to provide financial support for education or personal needs. Each visitor will have to make an individual determination about how to deal with these requests, but it may be useful to know: Your primary gift to the people of Haiti is your service with the hospital; it is deeply appreciated by our neighbors, and additional gifts to individuals are not necessary. DO NOT give money to children on the street. This can cause serious injury to people in the street. Once one child sees money being distributed it can cause a rush of children looking for more. In addition, the child you give the money to may be assaulted by other bigger children after you are out of sight. Long-­‐term residents can provide useful advice about specific individuals in the community, and can suggest appropriate ways to offer clothing or other items so that they go to the neediest. Page 18 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 10. LEISURE ACTIVITIES Beaches Many fine resorts, as well as a public beach, line the coast within an hour or two of HAS. Members of the HAS community regularly plan outings to the beach. Church Services There are several Protestant and Catholic Churches in the area. Services begin at about 10:30 and offer a rich cultural as well as religious experience. At the Catholic churches nearby Mass is offered at 9:30 am. Hiking Group hikes are sometimes planned to neighboring markets, waterfalls and scenic spots. You can be accompanied with a local for a small fee (approximately $5 US or 250 gouds). Libraries The Medical Library in the hospital is a reading and study room with medical references and indexed journals, which may not be removed from the Library. This library also includes books and videotapes about HAS and Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Additional leisure reading materials in the guesthouses have been left by previous visitors. Markets Outdoor markets selling everything from peanuts to pigs are within walking distance in Petite Rivière and Verrettes, and within bus distance in Pont Sondé and St.-­‐Marc. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday. There is a small daily market in Deschapelles. Art & Souvenirs Haitians are very artistic. You will be able to purchase local folk paintings, carvings, metal sculptures, grass woven baskets and bags ranging in price from USD $5.00 to $120.00 each. Some crafts will be for sale in the open air or you can plan a visit to Mellon Belizaire or the Art Gallery, both located along the Korido, which have a variety of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, rugs, and more for sale. Social Activities Social activities such as potluck suppers, cultural evenings, and small dinner parties are hosted by campus residents. Page 19 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Swimming Pool The swimming pool on hospital grounds is reserved for campus residents, visitors, and their guests. The pool is available at all hours. Swim at your own risk. Swimming pool parties should end by 10 pm due to nearby residents who are on call. Sports The campus has a tennis court, a basketball court, and a soccer field. Feel free to join in. For any of the above mentioned activities, feel free to approach Jennifer Denike, the Partnership Facilitator, with additional questions at [email protected] . Do’s  Come prepared to work hard (10-­‐12 hour days minimum)  Learn some basic Kreyol words.  Meet with your personal physician before you leave, ensure you have all your inoculations.  Use common sense at all times.  Bring a team player attitude; everyone must work together and as one unit; we do not need anyone to stand out, we need everyone to stand together.  Plan to leave items behind that can be used by future volunteers, such as books, magazines, DVD’s, flashlights, towels, left over bug spray, lotions etc. Don’ts  DO NOT bring gifts for children or patients.  DO NOT give money to people on the street or at the clinic.  DO NOT deviate from the clinical protocols.  DO NOT engage in discussions regarding local politics or local conditions.  DO NOT take any photo of any patient without his/her permission.  DO NOT wear expensive jewelry, leave it at home. Page 20 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 11. DEPARTING HAITI As your stay at HAS comes to an end, please sign the guestbook so that we can remember your time here. Go to the Dispatching Office the afternoon before you leave to confirm your campus departure time. Although not mandatory, we suggest you leave a tip for the maids and gardener, the suggested tip is the equivalent of $1.00 to $1.50 USD for each day of your stay. Talk to Jennifer Denike or other visitors for suggestions of how to divide this money up among the staff at your house. A crucial part of your departure is ensuring that you can leave; please confirm your departure time with the Transport Office (Dispatching) approximately one week before your departure and then again the day before to confirm departure time. Dispatching is located directly across from the gate you use to access the swimming pool. Everyone will be sorry to see you leave HAS. But in the hope of your return, the following guidelines are suggested to ease your departure. Upon Arrival at Port-­‐au-­‐Prince Airport The HAS car will drop you in front of the airport departure terminal. If you must use a porter, choose one only, and have a US one dollar bill handy for tipping. Getting Through the Airport Check in at the ticket counter by showing your passport and the stamped entry/departure card you were given when you entered the country, along with your ticket. Your departure tax is included in your ticket price. Go through the entrance to your left and present your ticket and passport again to the clerk there. After passing through passport control, go through the security X-­‐ray checkpoint. In Case of a Disruption to Your Travel Plan: When you are leaving Haiti, in the event that you miss your flight or your flight is cancelled, you should call the Dispatching Office. Page 21 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 12. HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS Jennifer Denike, Manager of Development and Hospitality +509 3635 5671 HAS Dispatching Office in Deschapelles (Transportation) +509 3890 1705 Ricardo Longchamp, Manager of Dispatching +509 3756 3366 HAS office in Port-­‐au-­‐ Prince +509 3890 1703 Louis Martin, CEO +509 4825 4923 Adriana LaMonte, Manager of Strategic Programs +509 3890 1704 & Global Affairs Herriot Sannon, Medical Director +509 4798 0098 Dawn Johnson, Co-­‐Coordinator of SCI +509 3824 4543 Cornelia Koehler, Director of Hanger Klinik +509 3170 5800 Page 22 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 13. KREYOL 101 Haitian people are extremely friendly and greeting one another with a smile is commonplace. It will build significant rapport if you attempt to speak the language; even if you mispronounce the words beyond recognition, they will respect you so much more for trying. Two languages are spoken in Haiti: Kreyol and French. Kreyol is a language that originates from a mixture of French, Spanish, and West African languages. Nine of every ten Haitians speak only Kreyol, which is the everyday language for the entire population. About one in ten also speak French and only about one in twenty are fluent in both French and Kreyol. Below are simple words and phrases to assist you in communicating with people with whom you interact. Although there will be translators available, your patients will greatly appreciate your efforts to learn some basic words in Kreyol. Page 23 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide English Good morning! Everyday Interaction Kreyol Bonjou! Good afternoon! Bonswa! How are you? (most common greeting and response) -­‐ Good! Yes Komon ou ye? Kijan ou ye? No Non Thanks Mesi Help! Anmwe! No, thanks Non, mesi I'm sorry Do you speak English/French? You understand? Mwen regret sa What do you need? Kisa ou bezwen? How old are you? Kilaj ou? You're welcome Merite Please No, I do not understand Souple Eske mwen kapab pran foto ou? Non, mwen pa konprann Excuse me Eskize mwen See you later Nap we pi ta May I take your picture? Mwen byen! Anfom! Wi Eske ou pale angle? Ou konprann? Page 24 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide English Good Job Clinical Interaction Kreyol Bon travay Hold my hand Kenbe men mwen Stand Up Ann kanpe, leve-­‐kanpe Sit Down Chita Walk Mache Be patient Pran san ou Is everything OK? Tout bagay anfom? Where does it hurt you? Kote Ii ou fe mal? Attention!/Watch out! Atansyon! No problem Pa gen pwoblem Stop! Rete! Stop here please Rete la Faster! Pi vit! Too fast! Twò vit! Be careful! Pinga! Make an effort Fè yon efò Don't be afraid Gen pa efreye Do it again Fe anko Help me please Ede mwen souple You OK? Ou byen? Page 25 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide 14. PACKING CHECK LIST Essentials  Sense of Humor  Flexible and accommodating nature  Sense of Adventure  Common sense to temper your sense of adventure Tickets and Documents  Passport  List of important phone numbers and photocopies of important documents  Airline Tickets  Picture ID other than Passport  Cash ($300-­‐$400 in new, crisp, small bills) Clothes  4+ light weight cotton shirts  3 scrubs  Long sleeve Under Amour or athletic type shirts  Underwear for 14 days  2 T-­‐shirts  1 pair light weight trousers such as Dockers  Pajamas or bath robe  One light weight dress shirt  Bathing suit  Beach towel  Waterproof sandals  7+ pairs of socks  Wide brimmed hat or a cap  One raincoat or disposable plastic rain poncho  One pair of comfortable tennis shoes  One pair of light weight hiking boots (for visits to community sites or hikes)  Sunglasses Toiletries  Hand sanitizer  Bug spray & sunscreen  Ear plugs helps with the crowing cockerels and snoring roommates  Reusable water bottle(s)  Shampoo & conditioner  Body soap Page 26 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti – Visitor Information Guide Gadgets  Flashlight  Laptop  Digital camera  Notebook/journal  DVD’s which you may want to donate when you depart  Magazines Food  Energy bars as some days you may need a little boost  Box of favorite cereal and or oatmeal  Any condiments you may like such as tomato sauce, mustard, salad dressings, etc.  Your favorite chocolate, tea, powdered drink (e.g. Crystal Lite, Gatorade, etc.) Bedding  Pillow, optional  Single bed sheets, optional Medications  Personal medications for the length of your stay  Anti-­‐malaria medication  Ciprofloxacin  Imodium or similar for diarrhea  Antacids if you suffer from heart burn  Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Excedrin, Aleve or similar  Sunscreen – the sun is very strong!  Aloe cream for sunburn  Baby wipes -­‐ great for cleaning when showers are not available  Personal supply of analgesic/antipyretic  Second set of eyeglasses  Bug repellent Medical Vaccination Review  Hepatitis A vaccination  Hepatitis B vaccination (strongly recommended for healthcare workers)  Typhoid vaccination  Polio booster (if indicated)  H1N1 vaccine (if indicated)  Seasonal influenza vaccine  Measles booster (if indicated)  Tetanus booster (if indicated) Page 27