Urgent Need in Jacmel, Haiti

Cholera has finally hit here in Jacmel, and it has hit hard. Over the course of the past three days, the hospitals and clinics here have been struggling to accommodate the growing number of cholera cases and are running short on supplies. As a result, over a hundred people have already died unnecessary deaths.

In order to help fight this epidemic over the coming weeks and months, my team members Ashley (NC), Junior (Haiti) and I are currently working together to set up a Jacmel Cholera Prevention and Treatment Fund, in order for people to be able to donate money that will go directly to supplying the needed treatment for cholera and supplies for cholera prevention in our city.

In the meantime, however, people in our community are dying preventable deaths every day, due to a lack of fluids and proper medication. If you are willing and able, please consider helping us take *immediate* action against this epidemic in one of the following ways:

(1) Send donations directly through Western Union.

Due to election-related demonstrations, many parts of downtown Jacmel are shut down this week, and I unfortunately do not have access to my bank account. However, I can still pick up money from Western Union. Sending money this way will enable Ashley, Junior and I to go out immediately and buy IV solution, azythromycin, and doxycycline-- all essential for the treatment of cholera, and all available in and around our city. We will then be able to deliver these materials to the appropriate medical facilities-- including but not limited to Jacmel's Saint-Michel Hospital, a nearby emergency cholera rehydration clinic, and a Cuban hospital in the neighboring city of Cayes Jacmel.

(2) Give through PayPal.

One of the absolute most important supplies needed for the treatment of cholera is rehydration salts. The bacteria itself is not what kills people-- it is severe dehydration that causes death. Unfortunately, rehydration salts are not available in Jacmel, and are in short supply at the hospitals here, as they are forced to rely solely on donations from outside the country. In order to get these materials to medical centers in Jacmel as soon as possible, I plan to travel to Miami next weekend (December 17th) to purchase the rehydration salts, and will return to Haiti to deliver them before coming back to the states on December 22nd. This is the most cost effective and secure way to get medical supplies into the country and directly into the hands of the people that need them most, especially given the urgency and time-sensitive nature of the need here. Any money sent to my PayPal account will go towards buying this precious supply and delivering it to the medical facilities in Jacmel.

To give through PayPal, click on the button below:

(3) Invite others to help.

If you know anyone who you think would have a desire to give, or to transport materials to Haiti, please do not hesitate to pass this email on or to send them my contact information. You can also invite them to follow our efforts on facebook by joining the group "Help Fight Cholera in Jacmel, Haiti."

If you have any questions or want more information on the situation here, feel free to email or to call me anytime at 1 (919) 360 3899. It is a US originating number, and so will be free of international charges for those of you who are US residents. You can also find me on Skype under the name mary.hooke.

Thank you for your love and concern for the people of Haiti, and for your continued prayers and support.

With appreciation and hope,
Mary