by Clark Seipt, CCH Executive Director
The amazing CCH Team in Haiti is trying their best to carry forward our mission during this crisis, but it is a very difficult time for everyone.
CCH’s Clinic offers the only healthcare available in Jacmel most days. The public hospital is reportedly open but has very few supplies and doctors and nurses have stopped coming to work. Many other healthcare partners have been forced to close their doors.
CCH is determined to keep serving the community – but it’s getting harder.
Schools remain closed for the most part. Opening for a day or two at a time, when possible has become less attractive. Community partners tell us it creates false hope and also may attract unwanted attention, putting the children, teachers and facilities at risk.
Our dedicated CCH staff continue to meet with and encourage teachers and community leaders – but it’s getting harder.
We are receiving many kind messages of hope and encouragement. These messages often include the questions, “How can I help?” and “What does CCH need?”
We know you want to be part of the solution, and for that we are eternally grateful.
What CCH really needs right now is financial support and prayers.
Our reserves are dangerously low, and our staff are discouraged and weary. The current situation is dominated by both extreme volatility and a deep sense of paralysis. It’s bizarre and stressful and very difficult to navigate.
We’re at the point that we’ve decided to focus on two main near-term goals:
- Keep our Primary Care and Rehab Clinic open and functional, and
- Continue to pay our staff so that they can keep feeding and caring for their families.
Two weeks ago, we saw an uptick in responsiveness and support as members of this Coalition came together to donate and help us exceed a generous $4,000 match that was offered for our #HAITI4LIFE campaign. That was wonderful and to those who participated, please hear us when we say: THANK YOU. When you give to CCH, your dollars put medicine on our shelves and into patient’s hands, You put fuel in our clinic generator and food in people’s bellies. You can’t get much more direct. You also offer hope and comfort in a time when hope and comfort are hard to find.
Here’s my request to you today: If you missed that opportunity to help CCH in this time of critical need, may we count on you for a donation now?
So that the men, women & children who need healthcare in Southeast Haiti continue to have it?
So that our dedicated CCH staff, who work diligently to lead this mission, can stay afloat as they boldly weather this storm?
They are not unaffected – they too are struggling each day.
I know we’re entering into the season where everyone is asking for your help. I know that you’ve been hearing from us for weeks now about the escalating crisis. Believe me, I know. We’re nearly a year and a half into simmering unrest and in Week 9 of a country totally locked down… And all the while, the needs of the Haitian people are becoming more urgent and their options for help are dwindling.
You can help. If you’ve not yet given to CCH this fall, would you please consider what donation amount would be most appropriate for you at this time, given your capacity and our urgent needs? Every dollar helps.
Can you be part of the next steps that we take? Would you please give now?
We’ll keep you updated. Please keep praying. Thank you for your support.
Don’t forget that this is also a very opportune time for CCH supporters to donate stock. We make it easy for you to do so, and it’s a win-win for all involved. Contact Carson Rich at carson@cchaiti.org or 571.234.1714 to learn more or make a gift.
