Chapter Profiles GlobeMed at Truman State University
Our Partner - Maison de Naissance// Torbeck, Haiti
The mission of Maison de Naissance is to serve a destitute group of women and children in Haiti with competent and compassionate health care. The services of a modern maternity center and community health program are offered from the hospitality of a safe, culturally appropriate, welcoming, and friendly home. They believe that the right to a safe, healthful, and compassionate birthing process is fundamental and universal. Since the clinic opened in 2004, the percentage of women receiving prenatal care around Torbeck has increased from 51 to 99 and the percentage of births supervised by a skilled birth attendant has increased from 13 to 91.
Current Project - Solar Energy Project
Currently, GlobeMed at Truman aims to provide funding for the installation of an inverter at Maison de Naissance. An inverter is vital in the maintenance of sustainable energy at MN as it converts energy from MN’s solar panels to electricity within the clinic itself. The current goal is to raise enough funds to have a donated inverter transported and installed at the clinic. GlobeMed at TSU is working to continue the efforts by Maison de Naissance to use environmentally friendly energy resources. In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, it is ever more important to emphasize sustainability in the clinic’s operation over dependence on fuel that is expensive and frequently unavailable.
Our Impact
In 2008, GlobeMed at Truman State University raised $2,000 to purchase a satellite for the clinic. It has been a tremendous help in keeping track of medical records and homes without addresses in rural Haiti. In January 2010, GlobeMed reached its goal of $7,000 for the year to purchase and install a solar panel battery pack. While solar panels have already been installed, a series of hurricanes and tropical storms rendered the previous battery pack ineffective. With a new one, MN will have power throughout the night, without the cost of fueling an expensive generator.
In addition, students in our chapter have worked on data entry and research analysis from the U.S. Many have also volunteered at the Maison de Naissance state-side headquarters in Kansas City. Projects included grant writing, event planning and execution.
GlobeMed students traveled to the Dominican Republic during summer 2009 and winter break 2008 to work on a health education video project, Enciende Una Luz. This program works with Haitians living in the Dominican Republic, in the substandard living conditions of "bateys," working to implement education about safe motherhood and family planning.
On campus, GlobeMed trys to bring educational experiences to students regarding global health issues. In the past, speakers have visited campus, including Dr. Mark Manary from Project Peanut Butter and Dr. Stan Shaffer, one of the founders of Maison de Naissance. GlobeMed also hosts documentary video showings and Global Health Awareness Week, including a Haitian "Clinic on the Quad." During Fall 2009, GlobeMed sponsored a photo exhibit in Pickler Memorial Library, entitled Through my Eyes, Global Health Oppression in the Hispaniola Islands, displaying photos and stories from Maison de Naissance and the DR.
Get Involved
If you want to learn more about GlobeMed at Truman State, email us at truman@globemed.org!
Connect
