I'm Baaaaack

To contact us Click HERE

You can't get rid of me that easy!  C'mon now.
I guess I was a bit Blogged out for a while.  But I'm stoked to be back on here doing some work and hustlin'.  I've done a lot since the last blog and I have to say that I am definitely bummed that I haven't stayed on top of documenting at least some of my travels.
Anyhow, the time is now and i'm on a mission trying to work harder than ever to Entertain you people.  It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it!
Heres a video that I put a lot of work into the last day. (mostly cause I'm still learning, not because it's good!) 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2dJr5mTuq0

Apple Valley Sunset Concert Series continues Thursday

To contact us Click HERE

Sunset Concert Series continues July 26 with live music, dancing and food
Apple Valley, CA – July 23, 2012:               
                Summer just keeps getting hotter in Apple Valley, especially on Thursday nights when Desert Valley Hospital presents the Sunset Concert Series at Civic Center Park. Grab a chair and join us this week to see "The Gypsy Dolls" perform from 6 to 9 p.m. courtesy of this week's sponsors Parkway Dental Group and Apple Valley Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics.               The Town of Apple Valley is the only venue in the high desert offering free weekly concerts every Thursday night. The event features food vendors, a beer garden by the Apple Valley Rotary Club, live music and dancing. The park has inclined lawn seating for more than 1,500 people, so concert goers should bring blankets or portable chairs.
The Sunset Concert Series will present its last two bands next month when "The Silverados" bring their country sounds to the stage on August 2 and Cold Duck closes out the summer on August 9 with oldies and R&B.
Civic Center Park is adjacent to Apple Valley Town Hall and across from Super Target in the Apple Valley Commons shopping center. Parking and admission are free. The Town is seeking additional sponsors to ensure the success of the 2012-2013 events season. For more information on the concert series or to join Desert Valley Hospital, Paul Ahluwalia, MD Inc., Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group, Parkway Dental/Apple Valley Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics, and the Apple Valley Rotary Club as a sponsor, please visit www.applevalleyevents.org or call (760) 240-7000 x 7071.
# # #
 Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

To contact us Click HERE

Sunset Concert Series concludes August 9 with oldies and R & B
Apple Valley, CA – August 6, 2012: Join the Town of Apple Valley this Thursday to see Cold Duck perform oldies and R & B when Desert Valley Hospital presents the final Sunset Concert Series of the season at Civic Center Park. Grab a chair and join us from 6 to 9 p.m. courtesy of this week's sponsors, the Rotary Club of Apple Valley.
                The Town of Apple Valley is the only venue in the high desert offering free weekly concerts every Thursday night. The event features food vendors, a beer garden by the Apple Valley Rotary Club, live music and dancing. The park has inclined lawn seating for more than 1,500 people, so concert goers should bring blankets or portable chairs. Civic Center Park is adjacent to Apple Valley Town Hall and across from Super Target in the Apple Valley Commons shopping center. Parking and admission are free.
Music in Apple Valley will resume in a more intimate venue every Thursday in September when Apple Valley Commons and Lewis Retail Centers hosts Concerts in The Courtyard beginning September 6 with Jaye Sooter playing acoustic rock.
For more information on Special Events in Apple Valley, or to support our events with a sponsorship, please visit www.applevalleyevents.org or call (760) 240-7000 x 7071.
# # #Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

Rock out and rummage at Apple Valley flea market

To contact us Click HERE

Apple Valley, CA – August 6, 2012:
                Something old is something new to somebody somewhere. Get yours at the Town of Apple Valley’s Rockin’ Flea Market this Saturday, August 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lion’s Park on South Outer Highway 18, just east of Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley. Event attendees will enjoy live music by Jaye Sooter  while getting great deals new and used, antique and unique items. As always, parking and admission are free.
                Vendor spaces are still available to turn your something old into something new for someone else. For more information please call 240-7000, ext. 7071 or visit www.AppleValleyEvents.org.# # #

Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

Concerts in The Courtyard - September

To contact us Click HERE

Apple Valley, CA – August 7, 2012:The end of summer doesn't mean the end of the entertainment season in Apple Valley. The Town and Lewis Retail Centers are pleased to welcome back Concerts in The Courtyard at Apple Valley Commons. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with friends, family and neighbors for a great evening of music featuring acoustic rock, Top 40, oldies and classic rock from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Courtyard of Apple Valley Commons. Please bring chairs as the event draws quite a crowd!

• September 6: Jaye Sooter (Acoustic Rock)
• September 13: 5th Dementia (Rock)
• September 20: Under Construction (Top 40)
• September 27: Mojave Yacht Club (Classic Rock & Oldies)

The Courtyard is a beautiful outdoor dining area located at Apple Valley Commons at the northwest corner of Highway 18 and Dale Evans Pkwy.  Pick up dinner or a snack first at one of the shopping center eateries, including Quizno’s, Round Table Pizza, Rainbow Frozen Yogurt, Fresh Wok, Carl’s Jr., Del Taco, Starbucks and Panda Express. This event is made possible through the generosity of Apple Valley Commons and Lewis Retail Centers and is hosted by the Town of Apple Valley.For more information please visit www.AppleValley.org or call (760) 240-7000 x 7071.# # #

Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

New Autoclave

To contact us Click HERE
A quick introduction: I’m Michael Wolcott, myself and Cosmin Cosma from the office of University Relations at LLU are in Haiti for a couple of weeks. From time to time we’ll try and help Andrew out a little by updating this blog.

A new autoclave came to the hospital today. The US Navy and US Army brought it and unloaded it. It was quite a feat and great to see my tax dollars at work. The autoclave will allow the hospital to safely sterilize more equipment.

There’s also word about the shelving that will allow all of the supplies to be organized. It sounds like it might be arriving tomorrow.

We’ve been here for two days and are amazed by the work of the volunteers, a stream of people pour into the hospital and they’re able to see patient after patient day and night.

Everybody's leaving but we're still here

To contact us Click HERE
Hello blog-o-sphere, sorry it's been so long since I've made a post.  Seems every time we think things are getting better we are dealt a new deck of cards.  We have been as busy as ever here but with new and varying challenges.  While post-op ortho cases are gradually being discharged and leaving the property we have been plagued with significant traffic in our ER.  To make matters worse it seems that more and more NGOs and government groups alike are ending their Haiti relief missions already.  What this means is that our ability to transfer patients out to places that may have resources we don't is dwindling and will soon be gone.  Our two best transfer options for critical patients have been the USS Comfort and the University of Miami Field Hospital.  Word on the street and confirmed by our own challenges in transferring patients to either, is that both will be ending their missions here in Haiti shortly.  By default, we have become the regional trauma center for the entire west side of Port au Prince and most of the communities on the western peninsula.  This was never our intent and we are ill equipped for such responsibility but, we will carry on and are committed to the Haitian communities we serve.

Sorry to be cynical but apparently the collective goal of many response agencies working here was to: return Haiti's health care system to the pre-quake state and then go home.  Well folks we (LLU and the volunteer groups that have and continue to work here) exceeded that goal just by showing up.  The idea that that goal is an acceptable level makes me want to scream.  This nation has lost upwards of 225,000 people, almost 1 million of the surviving population are without proper food, water, shelter, or sanitation and somewhere between 7,000 - 10,000 have had limbs amputated, not to mention the huge number of patients with surgically treated injuries.  To think that the international community can come here for 6 weeks and then turn their backs is simply unacceptable.  LLU is not leaving our work here in Haiti and we continue to need your support.  Please if you have the means to help our work, click on the red button at the top of this blog and support our cause.

Aftershocks
We have had two 4.7 aftershocks this week both in the middle of the night.  Significant aftershocks continue to be a very real reality here and are detrimental to the already fragile psyche of the Haitian population and our volunteer medical staff.  During an aftershock our patients in the hospital all go running and screaming out of the building, many dragging their IVs on the ground or ripping them out all together.  This is a major obstacle for us to overcome.

Shelving update
I am pleased to report that we have more than 20 shelving units built and in use in the various operational units around the hospital.  We have more shelves being built and more on the way.  This one simple thing has radically improved the efficiency of our operation.

BCFS Texas Strike Team
We have been blessed for almost two weeks now to have a group of volunteers from San Antonio Texas here at the hospital with us.  This team is a highly trained incident management team (IMT) that have worked in multiple disaster zones such as Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, 9/11 and others.  They have helped us implement an Incident Command System (ICS) structure that has dramatically increased the efficiency of our relief effort.  We have implemented specific roles that each of us play in order to decrease overlap of duty and maximize productivity.  ICS stresses the creation and dissemination of very specific objectives to be completed in each 24 hour period.  These objectives are shared twice a day at 7:30AM and 7:30PM in a very structured staff briefing.  Overall this system seems to be steering us rapidly towards our goal of resuming normal hospital operations inside the building.  Much work remains but ICS has been very helpful in moving us forward.

The Chief and The Commander in their ICS vests
Numbers
70 post-op patients still outside in the tents
15 patients inside the various wards in the main building
21 sick babies
10 pregnant moms waiting to deliver
16 volunteer staff with GI issues in the last week
18 hour work days still the norm for Andrew

Keep Haiti in your prayers and thoughts as much work remains here.

We're making progress

To contact us Click HERE
 Welcome to the Hopital
Greetings on a beautiful bright and sunny morning here in Haiti.  After a quiet weekend of overcast skies, fog, and rain, Monday morning has brought us a cloudless sky and beautiful sunshine.  While we continue to face many challenges around the hospital, significant progress is being made and I would like to highlight a few of those areas with some pics.

 Patients waiting in the main hallway on a not so mad Monday
 Depot Central d'Haiti
  Pharmacy stock room
   Tent distribution for discharged patients
Thank you all for your prayers and support.

The Donor's Dollar

To contact us Click HERE
By Dr. Nelson Disaster relief is typically one of the most inefficient uses of the donor’s dollar. Think about it. Premiums are paid to purchase last minute items, overnight deliveries are made, volunteers are buying last minute air tickets, and extra funds are used for security and support of volunteers in a situation where there is no infrastructure. Due to lack of communication, urgency, and constantly changing needs, heaps of materials arrive that are not always needed. We experienced all of this. (BTW the breast implants and total knee replacement parts that were sent down were not needed at any point during the disaster relief) When the relief efforts are over many of the expensive pieces of donated equipment sit idle, deteriorate or are scavenged. This is not to be critical, many of these factors are uncontrollable and the job has got to be done. It is just the nature of the situation.
At the Hopital Adventiste we are doing a lot more than just disaster relief and because of this, your donations will have much more than just a transient effect. For a short period of time we were buried under the heaps of stuff that was generously provided. But, thanks to Dan and Marilyn Patchin from Portland, OR as well as many other Haitian and American volunteers it is now well organized and we are working efficiently with the needed supplies to offer a top quality level of care to those we serve. The donor’s dollar is also multiplying as we take advantage of synergistic collaborations with other organizations who are interested in our vision for a long term program with the highest of standards. We were very fortunate to receive an autoclave from Hope Force International as well as a portable digital x-ray machine from Americares (see photos).

We thank these organizations for their generosity as well as each and every one of our donors who have generously given. Some of the ongoing weekly expenses that we are currently supporting are:

• Diesel $3000 for electricity
• Oxygen $600
• Transport of equipment and supplies $500
• X-ray film and envelopes $750
• Housekeeping, maintenance, & repair supplies $1000
• Lab supplies $500

One time capital expenses include:

• Water main $4000
• Translator honorarium (30 people x 6 weeks) $2700
• Shelving $5000
• Generator parts $1000
• Repair of perimeter wall $5000

In addition, payroll is about $42,000USD per month. All our services are currently offered for free. Without an income source this is not easy to come by, but we must pay our employees as they re integrate back into the workforce. We want to again thank all of you who have contributed. The challenges ahead are great. But with God’s guidance and power we continue to give our all and not get discouraged.

LLU Strategy For Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti

To contact us Click HERE
Loma Linda University (LLU) and its partners are continuing to work to support the Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti in Port-au-Prince.  LLU is not alone in these efforts.  Together they are pooling their resources and are working closely with Park Ridge Adventist Hospital/AHS, Florida Hospital, CURE International, Life Enhancement Association for People (LEAP), and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).  
The following strategy update was posted yesterday on the Global Health Institute website.

• The need for additional medical teams continues, but as we move forward the composition of these teams will change to reflect current needs at the hospital.  Keep in mind the needs change almost daily.
• As of April 20, 2010, the "Dream Team" includes:
  
  
  • 1-2 Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • 1 General Surgeon
  • 1-2 Anesthesiologists (MDs and CRNAs)
  • 1-2 ER Physicians
  • 1-2 Pediatricians
  • 4-8 RNs of whom 2-4 with OR and ER experience
  • 1-2 Physical Therapists and/or Occupational Therapists 
  • 2 Pharmacists
  • 2+ Central Supply Personnel
  • 2 Utilities and Maintenance Personnel
• We also welcome applications from OB-GYNs, PAs,NPs and other health care professionals.  We would like to keep the number of our teams to about 25-30 people on any given week. 
• The teams will work at the Adventist Hospital.
• The current strategy is to send in teams for at least a 9 day cycle (Teams arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday.)  A longer term of service is preferred.     
• LLU will maintain and manage the schedule of the various teams and provide them with information about their trip and tips about what to bring, etc. 
• Selection and composition of the particular teams will be done with input from all the partners mentioned above in close consultation with the administration at the Adventist Hospital of Haiti.  It is very important that we send essential personnel in an organized manner so as to not strain already limited support resources.
• LLU and our partners are committed to support our hospital in the months to come.  These efforts will build on local available resources under the leadership of Lesly Archer, MD, Medical Director for the Adventist Hospital and supported by Orthopedic Surgeon, Scott Nelson, MD.
  
  Reposted from haitibones.org - thanks Jim

Wolves from Twilight and National Pet Food model to star at Pet Fair

To contact us Click HERE

Apple Valley, CA – August 16, 2012: Apple Valley will "go Hollywood" on September 8 when the wolves featured in the Twilight movies take center stage at this year's Paws N’ Claws Pet Fair. Wolf Mountain Sanctuary will bring several of the animals that were used as models for the computer generated renderings of the wolves featured in the movies.
                This seventh annual event has grown from a quaint activity at a nearby park to a full-blown celebration of all things furry, scaly, finned and feathered.  The festivities will be held at Civic Center Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include the grand opening celebration of the new Dog Park located on the eastern most edge of Civic Center Park. Admission and parking are free.
                "This event provides an environment where animal lovers can safely socialize their animals and interact in a setting with large groups of people and other animals,” said Animal Services Manager Gina Schwin-Whiteside. "Our goal is to raise awareness of programs and services available to pet owners in our area. These programs make it affordable to have your pet spayed/neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped. All of these opportunities contribute to a healthy animal population and the long term benefit of less animals impounded into our municipal shelter."
                The event will feature retail vendors, demonstrations and snake avoidance training, as well as microchip services for only $20. Apple Valley, Victorville and Adelanto residents can license or re-license their pets on-site or take advantage of a low-cost vaccine clinic. Proof of residency inside Town and city limits is required, and only cash will be accepted as payment.
                In addition to the featured stars from Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, special guests who have received nationwide attention will include Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary from Phelan, that was featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and "Bella" the amazing High Desert K-9 and National Eukanuba Mission Contest Winner. Bella is one of four winners who are featured on that brand's dog food bags across the nation. Additionally, the Hesperia Zoo and Sounds of Silent Spirits will join. The children from PJ's Pals will read to dogs in the children's activity area that will also feature crafts and a bounce house. Contests include a doggie fashion show, a human barking contest and pet races. Each activity costs $1 to enter and all fees go to support the shelter animals.
                Visitors can meet some of the adoptable animals in need of a loving home or win a variety of gifts including an i-Pad sponsored by Animal Medical Center of Hesperia. Tickets are on sale now and winners will be chosen at the event. 
For more information visit www.applevalley.org or to sign up in advance for contests and demonstrations please call Animal Services at (760) 240-7000 X 7555.
# # #

Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

Fall Festival canceled

To contact us Click HERE

Town of Apple Valley to partner with Rotary to host chili cook-offFall Festival canceledApple Valley, CA – August 29, 2012:                To better serve the community, the Town of Apple Valley has made some changes to its fall events calendar. The Fall Festival, that has been an annual event for the past five years, has been canceled in preparation for the Town to partner with the Apple Valley Rotary to present the Happy Trails Chili Cook-off on October 20 at Lenny Brewster Sports Center in Apple Valley.
                The 11th annual cook-off will feature more than 40 professionals competing in this International Chili Society sanctioned cook-off with the winner qualifying for the World Championships to be held in Palm Springs in 2013. The public is invited to taste and shop their way through booths of chili cooks and vendors. Additional food vendors will be on hand, as well as a beer garden.
                The Town’s partnership will bring an expanded children’s area with inflatables, a hay maze and a petting zoo.
                The Lenny Brewster Sports Center is located at 21024 Otoe Road. Gates will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the best chili selection between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
                For more information visit www.HappyTrailsChiliCookOff.com or call Kathie Martin, chili cook-off chairperson, at (760) 240-7000 x7070.
# # #

Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

Bascom Family Band to Perform at Victor Valley Museum

To contact us Click HERE
The Bascom Family Band will present a “mini concert” at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley on Saturday, September 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. The program, a part of the “Discovery Afternoons” series, is included with paid museum admission; visitors will enjoy half-price admission during the event.

 The Victorville band is made up of members of the Bascom family—John (on the upright bass), Lisa (on the mandolin) and Juliette (on the fiddle, guitar, and mandolin)—along with friends John Hixon and Patty Hedges. Multi-talented twelve year old Juliette Bascom is the star of the show. Being a fifth generation musician, she plays a variety of instruments to bluegrass, country and old time fiddle music. She has performed on stage from California to Canada since she was five years old with famous performers such as Roy Clark, Larry Gatlin, Rhonda Vincent, Belinda Gail, Devon Dawson and Earl Sites.

 Last year the Bascoms performed for the Roy Rogers' Centennial Birthday Celebration at the Double R Bar Ranch. This year they will perform again, but for the Dale Evans 100th Birthday events. Juliette's grandfather, Earl Bascom, was a famous rodeo cowboy and western artist who is honored with a permanent display in the Victor Valley Museum.
 READ ARTICLE

Under Construction to bring Top 40 tunes to The Courtyard Thursday

To contact us Click HERE

Apple Valley, CA – September 17, 2012: Enjoy a Thursday evening with friends, food and music  when Under Construction plays Top 40 tunes at this week's Concert in The Courtyard from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Courtyard is a beautiful outdoor dining area located at Apple Valley Commons at the northwest corner of Highway 18 and Dale Evans Pkwy.  Pick up dinner or a snack first at one of the shopping center eateries including Quizno’s, Round Table Pizza, Rainbow Frozen Yogurt, Fresh Wok, Carl’s Jr., Del Taco, Starbucks, Panda Express or the Target store deli. Bring a chair as seating is limited.
The concert series will conclude next week when Mojave Yacht Club play classic rock and oldies . This event is made possible through the generosity of Apple Valley Commons and Lewis Retail Centers and is hosted by the Town of Apple Valley.For more information visit www.AppleValleyEvents.org or call (760) 240-7000 x 7071.
# # #

Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley

Concert in The Courtyard Thursday

To contact us Click HERE

Apple Valley, CA – September 17, 2012: Join the Town of Apple Valley for the last Concert in The Courtyard when Mojave Yacht Club plays oldies and classic rock on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
                The Courtyard is a beautiful outdoor dining area located at Apple Valley Commons at the northwest corner of Highway 18 and Dale Evans Pkwy.  Pick up dinner or a snack first at one of the shopping center eateries including Quizno’s, Round Table Pizza, Rainbow Frozen Yogurt, Fresh Wok, Carl’s Jr., Del Taco, Starbucks, Panda Express or the Target store deli. Bring a chair as seating is limited.
                This event is made possible through the generosity of Apple Valley Commons and Lewis Retail Centers and is hosted by the Town of Apple Valley.
                For more information visit www.AppleValleyEvents.org or call (760) 240-7000 x 7071.
# # #
Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

A million words...

To contact us Click HERE
So if a picture is worth a 1000 words what's a video worth?  The video at the link below was shot during my brief visit home and gives you some further insight into our efforts here.

http://www.llu.edu/public-health/haiti.page

Thanks to Cosmin and Michael for the post yesterday.  I may need to rely on them even more as it seems things are as busy as ever for me.  Besides they take better pictures and do this kind of thing for a living.

Thanks to you all for your continued prayers and support.

Everybody's leaving but we're still here

To contact us Click HERE
Hello blog-o-sphere, sorry it's been so long since I've made a post.  Seems every time we think things are getting better we are dealt a new deck of cards.  We have been as busy as ever here but with new and varying challenges.  While post-op ortho cases are gradually being discharged and leaving the property we have been plagued with significant traffic in our ER.  To make matters worse it seems that more and more NGOs and government groups alike are ending their Haiti relief missions already.  What this means is that our ability to transfer patients out to places that may have resources we don't is dwindling and will soon be gone.  Our two best transfer options for critical patients have been the USS Comfort and the University of Miami Field Hospital.  Word on the street and confirmed by our own challenges in transferring patients to either, is that both will be ending their missions here in Haiti shortly.  By default, we have become the regional trauma center for the entire west side of Port au Prince and most of the communities on the western peninsula.  This was never our intent and we are ill equipped for such responsibility but, we will carry on and are committed to the Haitian communities we serve.

Sorry to be cynical but apparently the collective goal of many response agencies working here was to: return Haiti's health care system to the pre-quake state and then go home.  Well folks we (LLU and the volunteer groups that have and continue to work here) exceeded that goal just by showing up.  The idea that that goal is an acceptable level makes me want to scream.  This nation has lost upwards of 225,000 people, almost 1 million of the surviving population are without proper food, water, shelter, or sanitation and somewhere between 7,000 - 10,000 have had limbs amputated, not to mention the huge number of patients with surgically treated injuries.  To think that the international community can come here for 6 weeks and then turn their backs is simply unacceptable.  LLU is not leaving our work here in Haiti and we continue to need your support.  Please if you have the means to help our work, click on the red button at the top of this blog and support our cause.

Aftershocks
We have had two 4.7 aftershocks this week both in the middle of the night.  Significant aftershocks continue to be a very real reality here and are detrimental to the already fragile psyche of the Haitian population and our volunteer medical staff.  During an aftershock our patients in the hospital all go running and screaming out of the building, many dragging their IVs on the ground or ripping them out all together.  This is a major obstacle for us to overcome.

Shelving update
I am pleased to report that we have more than 20 shelving units built and in use in the various operational units around the hospital.  We have more shelves being built and more on the way.  This one simple thing has radically improved the efficiency of our operation.

BCFS Texas Strike Team
We have been blessed for almost two weeks now to have a group of volunteers from San Antonio Texas here at the hospital with us.  This team is a highly trained incident management team (IMT) that have worked in multiple disaster zones such as Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, 9/11 and others.  They have helped us implement an Incident Command System (ICS) structure that has dramatically increased the efficiency of our relief effort.  We have implemented specific roles that each of us play in order to decrease overlap of duty and maximize productivity.  ICS stresses the creation and dissemination of very specific objectives to be completed in each 24 hour period.  These objectives are shared twice a day at 7:30AM and 7:30PM in a very structured staff briefing.  Overall this system seems to be steering us rapidly towards our goal of resuming normal hospital operations inside the building.  Much work remains but ICS has been very helpful in moving us forward.

The Chief and The Commander in their ICS vests
Numbers
70 post-op patients still outside in the tents
15 patients inside the various wards in the main building
21 sick babies
10 pregnant moms waiting to deliver
16 volunteer staff with GI issues in the last week
18 hour work days still the norm for Andrew

Keep Haiti in your prayers and thoughts as much work remains here.

We're making progress

To contact us Click HERE
 Welcome to the Hopital
Greetings on a beautiful bright and sunny morning here in Haiti.  After a quiet weekend of overcast skies, fog, and rain, Monday morning has brought us a cloudless sky and beautiful sunshine.  While we continue to face many challenges around the hospital, significant progress is being made and I would like to highlight a few of those areas with some pics.

 Patients waiting in the main hallway on a not so mad Monday
 Depot Central d'Haiti
  Pharmacy stock room
   Tent distribution for discharged patients
Thank you all for your prayers and support.

The Donor's Dollar

To contact us Click HERE
By Dr. Nelson Disaster relief is typically one of the most inefficient uses of the donor’s dollar. Think about it. Premiums are paid to purchase last minute items, overnight deliveries are made, volunteers are buying last minute air tickets, and extra funds are used for security and support of volunteers in a situation where there is no infrastructure. Due to lack of communication, urgency, and constantly changing needs, heaps of materials arrive that are not always needed. We experienced all of this. (BTW the breast implants and total knee replacement parts that were sent down were not needed at any point during the disaster relief) When the relief efforts are over many of the expensive pieces of donated equipment sit idle, deteriorate or are scavenged. This is not to be critical, many of these factors are uncontrollable and the job has got to be done. It is just the nature of the situation.
At the Hopital Adventiste we are doing a lot more than just disaster relief and because of this, your donations will have much more than just a transient effect. For a short period of time we were buried under the heaps of stuff that was generously provided. But, thanks to Dan and Marilyn Patchin from Portland, OR as well as many other Haitian and American volunteers it is now well organized and we are working efficiently with the needed supplies to offer a top quality level of care to those we serve. The donor’s dollar is also multiplying as we take advantage of synergistic collaborations with other organizations who are interested in our vision for a long term program with the highest of standards. We were very fortunate to receive an autoclave from Hope Force International as well as a portable digital x-ray machine from Americares (see photos).

We thank these organizations for their generosity as well as each and every one of our donors who have generously given. Some of the ongoing weekly expenses that we are currently supporting are:

• Diesel $3000 for electricity
• Oxygen $600
• Transport of equipment and supplies $500
• X-ray film and envelopes $750
• Housekeeping, maintenance, & repair supplies $1000
• Lab supplies $500

One time capital expenses include:

• Water main $4000
• Translator honorarium (30 people x 6 weeks) $2700
• Shelving $5000
• Generator parts $1000
• Repair of perimeter wall $5000

In addition, payroll is about $42,000USD per month. All our services are currently offered for free. Without an income source this is not easy to come by, but we must pay our employees as they re integrate back into the workforce. We want to again thank all of you who have contributed. The challenges ahead are great. But with God’s guidance and power we continue to give our all and not get discouraged.

LLU Strategy For Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti

To contact us Click HERE
Loma Linda University (LLU) and its partners are continuing to work to support the Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti in Port-au-Prince.  LLU is not alone in these efforts.  Together they are pooling their resources and are working closely with Park Ridge Adventist Hospital/AHS, Florida Hospital, CURE International, Life Enhancement Association for People (LEAP), and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).  
The following strategy update was posted yesterday on the Global Health Institute website.

• The need for additional medical teams continues, but as we move forward the composition of these teams will change to reflect current needs at the hospital.  Keep in mind the needs change almost daily.
• As of April 20, 2010, the "Dream Team" includes:
  
  
  • 1-2 Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • 1 General Surgeon
  • 1-2 Anesthesiologists (MDs and CRNAs)
  • 1-2 ER Physicians
  • 1-2 Pediatricians
  • 4-8 RNs of whom 2-4 with OR and ER experience
  • 1-2 Physical Therapists and/or Occupational Therapists 
  • 2 Pharmacists
  • 2+ Central Supply Personnel
  • 2 Utilities and Maintenance Personnel
• We also welcome applications from OB-GYNs, PAs,NPs and other health care professionals.  We would like to keep the number of our teams to about 25-30 people on any given week. 
• The teams will work at the Adventist Hospital.
• The current strategy is to send in teams for at least a 9 day cycle (Teams arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday.)  A longer term of service is preferred.     
• LLU will maintain and manage the schedule of the various teams and provide them with information about their trip and tips about what to bring, etc. 
• Selection and composition of the particular teams will be done with input from all the partners mentioned above in close consultation with the administration at the Adventist Hospital of Haiti.  It is very important that we send essential personnel in an organized manner so as to not strain already limited support resources.
• LLU and our partners are committed to support our hospital in the months to come.  These efforts will build on local available resources under the leadership of Lesly Archer, MD, Medical Director for the Adventist Hospital and supported by Orthopedic Surgeon, Scott Nelson, MD.
  
  Reposted from haitibones.org - thanks Jim

Everybody's leaving but we're still here

To contact us Click HERE
Hello blog-o-sphere, sorry it's been so long since I've made a post.  Seems every time we think things are getting better we are dealt a new deck of cards.  We have been as busy as ever here but with new and varying challenges.  While post-op ortho cases are gradually being discharged and leaving the property we have been plagued with significant traffic in our ER.  To make matters worse it seems that more and more NGOs and government groups alike are ending their Haiti relief missions already.  What this means is that our ability to transfer patients out to places that may have resources we don't is dwindling and will soon be gone.  Our two best transfer options for critical patients have been the USS Comfort and the University of Miami Field Hospital.  Word on the street and confirmed by our own challenges in transferring patients to either, is that both will be ending their missions here in Haiti shortly.  By default, we have become the regional trauma center for the entire west side of Port au Prince and most of the communities on the western peninsula.  This was never our intent and we are ill equipped for such responsibility but, we will carry on and are committed to the Haitian communities we serve.

Sorry to be cynical but apparently the collective goal of many response agencies working here was to: return Haiti's health care system to the pre-quake state and then go home.  Well folks we (LLU and the volunteer groups that have and continue to work here) exceeded that goal just by showing up.  The idea that that goal is an acceptable level makes me want to scream.  This nation has lost upwards of 225,000 people, almost 1 million of the surviving population are without proper food, water, shelter, or sanitation and somewhere between 7,000 - 10,000 have had limbs amputated, not to mention the huge number of patients with surgically treated injuries.  To think that the international community can come here for 6 weeks and then turn their backs is simply unacceptable.  LLU is not leaving our work here in Haiti and we continue to need your support.  Please if you have the means to help our work, click on the red button at the top of this blog and support our cause.

Aftershocks
We have had two 4.7 aftershocks this week both in the middle of the night.  Significant aftershocks continue to be a very real reality here and are detrimental to the already fragile psyche of the Haitian population and our volunteer medical staff.  During an aftershock our patients in the hospital all go running and screaming out of the building, many dragging their IVs on the ground or ripping them out all together.  This is a major obstacle for us to overcome.

Shelving update
I am pleased to report that we have more than 20 shelving units built and in use in the various operational units around the hospital.  We have more shelves being built and more on the way.  This one simple thing has radically improved the efficiency of our operation.

BCFS Texas Strike Team
We have been blessed for almost two weeks now to have a group of volunteers from San Antonio Texas here at the hospital with us.  This team is a highly trained incident management team (IMT) that have worked in multiple disaster zones such as Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, 9/11 and others.  They have helped us implement an Incident Command System (ICS) structure that has dramatically increased the efficiency of our relief effort.  We have implemented specific roles that each of us play in order to decrease overlap of duty and maximize productivity.  ICS stresses the creation and dissemination of very specific objectives to be completed in each 24 hour period.  These objectives are shared twice a day at 7:30AM and 7:30PM in a very structured staff briefing.  Overall this system seems to be steering us rapidly towards our goal of resuming normal hospital operations inside the building.  Much work remains but ICS has been very helpful in moving us forward.

The Chief and The Commander in their ICS vests
Numbers
70 post-op patients still outside in the tents
15 patients inside the various wards in the main building
21 sick babies
10 pregnant moms waiting to deliver
16 volunteer staff with GI issues in the last week
18 hour work days still the norm for Andrew

Keep Haiti in your prayers and thoughts as much work remains here.

We're making progress

To contact us Click HERE
 Welcome to the Hopital
Greetings on a beautiful bright and sunny morning here in Haiti.  After a quiet weekend of overcast skies, fog, and rain, Monday morning has brought us a cloudless sky and beautiful sunshine.  While we continue to face many challenges around the hospital, significant progress is being made and I would like to highlight a few of those areas with some pics.

 Patients waiting in the main hallway on a not so mad Monday
 Depot Central d'Haiti
  Pharmacy stock room
   Tent distribution for discharged patients
Thank you all for your prayers and support.

The Donor's Dollar

To contact us Click HERE
By Dr. Nelson Disaster relief is typically one of the most inefficient uses of the donor’s dollar. Think about it. Premiums are paid to purchase last minute items, overnight deliveries are made, volunteers are buying last minute air tickets, and extra funds are used for security and support of volunteers in a situation where there is no infrastructure. Due to lack of communication, urgency, and constantly changing needs, heaps of materials arrive that are not always needed. We experienced all of this. (BTW the breast implants and total knee replacement parts that were sent down were not needed at any point during the disaster relief) When the relief efforts are over many of the expensive pieces of donated equipment sit idle, deteriorate or are scavenged. This is not to be critical, many of these factors are uncontrollable and the job has got to be done. It is just the nature of the situation.
At the Hopital Adventiste we are doing a lot more than just disaster relief and because of this, your donations will have much more than just a transient effect. For a short period of time we were buried under the heaps of stuff that was generously provided. But, thanks to Dan and Marilyn Patchin from Portland, OR as well as many other Haitian and American volunteers it is now well organized and we are working efficiently with the needed supplies to offer a top quality level of care to those we serve. The donor’s dollar is also multiplying as we take advantage of synergistic collaborations with other organizations who are interested in our vision for a long term program with the highest of standards. We were very fortunate to receive an autoclave from Hope Force International as well as a portable digital x-ray machine from Americares (see photos).

We thank these organizations for their generosity as well as each and every one of our donors who have generously given. Some of the ongoing weekly expenses that we are currently supporting are:

• Diesel $3000 for electricity
• Oxygen $600
• Transport of equipment and supplies $500
• X-ray film and envelopes $750
• Housekeeping, maintenance, & repair supplies $1000
• Lab supplies $500

One time capital expenses include:

• Water main $4000
• Translator honorarium (30 people x 6 weeks) $2700
• Shelving $5000
• Generator parts $1000
• Repair of perimeter wall $5000

In addition, payroll is about $42,000USD per month. All our services are currently offered for free. Without an income source this is not easy to come by, but we must pay our employees as they re integrate back into the workforce. We want to again thank all of you who have contributed. The challenges ahead are great. But with God’s guidance and power we continue to give our all and not get discouraged.

LLU Strategy For Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti

To contact us Click HERE
Loma Linda University (LLU) and its partners are continuing to work to support the Hopital Adventiste d'Haiti in Port-au-Prince.  LLU is not alone in these efforts.  Together they are pooling their resources and are working closely with Park Ridge Adventist Hospital/AHS, Florida Hospital, CURE International, Life Enhancement Association for People (LEAP), and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).  
The following strategy update was posted yesterday on the Global Health Institute website.

• The need for additional medical teams continues, but as we move forward the composition of these teams will change to reflect current needs at the hospital.  Keep in mind the needs change almost daily.
• As of April 20, 2010, the "Dream Team" includes:
  
  
  • 1-2 Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • 1 General Surgeon
  • 1-2 Anesthesiologists (MDs and CRNAs)
  • 1-2 ER Physicians
  • 1-2 Pediatricians
  • 4-8 RNs of whom 2-4 with OR and ER experience
  • 1-2 Physical Therapists and/or Occupational Therapists 
  • 2 Pharmacists
  • 2+ Central Supply Personnel
  • 2 Utilities and Maintenance Personnel
• We also welcome applications from OB-GYNs, PAs,NPs and other health care professionals.  We would like to keep the number of our teams to about 25-30 people on any given week. 
• The teams will work at the Adventist Hospital.
• The current strategy is to send in teams for at least a 9 day cycle (Teams arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday.)  A longer term of service is preferred.     
• LLU will maintain and manage the schedule of the various teams and provide them with information about their trip and tips about what to bring, etc. 
• Selection and composition of the particular teams will be done with input from all the partners mentioned above in close consultation with the administration at the Adventist Hospital of Haiti.  It is very important that we send essential personnel in an organized manner so as to not strain already limited support resources.
• LLU and our partners are committed to support our hospital in the months to come.  These efforts will build on local available resources under the leadership of Lesly Archer, MD, Medical Director for the Adventist Hospital and supported by Orthopedic Surgeon, Scott Nelson, MD.
  
  Reposted from haitibones.org - thanks Jim

We aren't going home today

To contact us Click HERE
We aren't going home anytime in the near future.

You wound is bad. Real bad.

The first few dressing changes it didn't look like much really. The we got a bad one with lots of pus and drainage, then another one that didn't look so bad.

Then last night, while working with nurse Jessica (<-adore her) we found tunneling in your wound.

Not good.

In fact really bad.

Dr Bailey came in this morning and did the dressing change himself. I tried to get here on time but just missed it. The nurse tells me he really went in and cleaned the wound out and opened it up.

If it doesn't start getting better they will have to go in and open you up more and debride the wound.

It's just all bad.

Before we found the tunneling Dr Bailey said we would need at least 5 more days of antibiotics. Now I don't know what the treatment plan is or how long we might be in here.

You on Morphine.

I finally put my foot down and insisted on some pain meds and funny enough you now have more than I really wanted.

Morphine for your dressing changes, Tylenol with Codeine for general pain, and a sedative to help you sleep at night.

I'm good with you getting the Tylenol #3. After seeing your wound and what it takes to clean it I'm all for the Morphine too at least for a day or two.

The sedative I don't really want and don't think I will let them give to you but I will wait and see what happens.

I can't pretend that this is anything but hard. We are at a point, physically, mentally, emotionally, (and just to make it really fun) financially, where we just don't know what we are going to do.


But what choice to we have but to keep doing the best we can everyday and get you home as soon as possible.


Today I left your bedside to get some lunch. I was only gone 10 minuets at most.

I had asked the nurse to keep an eye on you but when I came back you were screaming, red, and dripping sweat, you were so upset. I'm pretty sure you had been screaming the entire time I was gone and that the nurse didn't check in on you at all.


This is why I don't and won't leave you. The nurses don't even try and get us to step out anymore. We are the parents that don't leave.

I miss Pierce so much it hurts to think of him.

It's another one of those days where I'm just going to be sad for a while. I will get over it.

I forgot to mention in my last post a big THANK YOU to my niece Whitney who brought Pierce here and then sat with you so brother and I could spend a little time together. It's amazing how those little visits can do so much to restore me and hurt so much at the same time.

The card brother made you

Your Granny came and stayed with you all day yesterday allowing Dad and I some time away from the hospital. She even held you for two hours while you slept. Again she took care of you while taking care of me. We are both lucky to have her.

Another baby passed away today. I can hear the family crying as they pass by in the hall.

I ache for them.

How did I get here? This place where loss is so common.

I'm going to finish this post and hold you.

and hold you

and hold you

and say a prayer of thanks that I can.

11th Annual Happy Trails Chili Cook-Off

To contact us Click HERE

   It’s going to be a chili day in the High Desert as the Rotary Club of Apple Valley hosts the 11th Annual Happy Trails Chili Cook-Off, presented by the Town of Apple Valley and Victorville Motors, on Saturday, October 20. 
                Record crowds elbowing for space resulted in a move to Lenny Brewster Sports Center a few years ago. A playground, championship horseshoe pits and plenty of parking allow for more activities for the whole family. 
                New this year will be an expanded car show, with display space now located on the grass. Bring out your classic cars and hot rods and enjoy a full day of fun. With the Town as a partner in the event this year, we are expanding the children’s area with more inflatables, a hay maze and a petting zoo. The popular horseshoe tournament and live music also returns.
                Of course, the main entrée is still the chili. Over 40 professional cooks will compete in this International Chili Society sanctioned cook off, with the winner qualifying for the World Championships to be held in Palm Springs in 2013. The public is invited to taste and shop their way through booths of chili cooks and vendors.  Additional food vendors will be on hand, as well as a beer garden.
                Cost is $5 per adult, with kids 10 and under free if they are not tasting.  Paid admission includes a tasting kit with ballots to vote for the People’s Choice as well as best Community Cook, featuring local non-profits, businesses and individuals.
                The Lenny Brewster Sports Center is at 21024 Otoe Road.  Gates are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the best chili selection between 11am and 2pm.  The cook-off has continued to grow in prestige in the chili world, attracting world-champion cooks and the finest judges. Cooks from as far as Reno, Nevada, Kern County and all over Southern California have already signed up.
                With stringent chili preparation rules and cash prizes topping out at $1,000 cash, chili recipes are closely guarded secrets.  However, the camaraderie and festive atmosphere at a cook-off is infectious for all who attend.
                “As a regional qualifying event for the World Championship, the Happy Trails Chili Cook Off is like the wildcard round leading up to the World Series,” explained Kathie Martin, event chair. “This event attracts elite cooks and ICS-certified judges, and we are very proud to host it.”
                The Happy Trails Chili Cook-Off is the largest annual fundraiser for the Apple Valley Rotary Club, last year surpassing $118,000 in a running total.  For more information visit www.HappyTrailsChiliCookOff.com, or call Kathie Martin, chili cook-off chairperson, at (760) 240-7000 x 7070.
# # #

Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

Apple Valley’s Holiday Craft Fair expands to two days

To contact us Click HERE

Get handmade, homemade gifts hassle free!
Apple Valley, CA – September 25, 2012: If you enjoy giving handmade gifts but don’t have the time to make them yourself, stop by the Apple Valley Holiday Craft Fair. The event has been expanded to two days and will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Conference Center at Town Hall.
This location gives shoppers a warm, friendly atmosphere to discover unique and hard to find items such as blankets, scarves, Christmas wreaths, jewelry, baby items and much more. Bring the kids along to create a free holiday craft provided by the Teen Zone. 
You won’t have to travel to the North Pole to get a picture with Santa Claus. He’ll be on site at the craft fair. The cost for prints ranges from $7 for a 5X7 to $25 for three 8.5” X 11” glossy sheets.
The craft fair features only 100% hand crafted items from more than 40 vendors. Raffle items will be awarded throughout the day to several lucky winners.   Admission and parking are free and a snack bar will be provided. The conference center is located at 14975 Dale Evans Parkway, adjacent to Town Hall and across the street from the Apple Valley Commons Shopping Center.
For more information please call Special Events at (760) 240-7000 x 7071 or visitww.AppleValleyEvents.org.
# # #

Charlene S. EngeronPublic Relations SpecialistTown of Apple Valley(760) 240-7000 ext. 7072

We aren't going home today

To contact us Click HERE
We aren't going home anytime in the near future.

You wound is bad. Real bad.

The first few dressing changes it didn't look like much really. The we got a bad one with lots of pus and drainage, then another one that didn't look so bad.

Then last night, while working with nurse Jessica (<-adore her) we found tunneling in your wound.

Not good.

In fact really bad.

Dr Bailey came in this morning and did the dressing change himself. I tried to get here on time but just missed it. The nurse tells me he really went in and cleaned the wound out and opened it up.

If it doesn't start getting better they will have to go in and open you up more and debride the wound.

It's just all bad.

Before we found the tunneling Dr Bailey said we would need at least 5 more days of antibiotics. Now I don't know what the treatment plan is or how long we might be in here.

You on Morphine.

I finally put my foot down and insisted on some pain meds and funny enough you now have more than I really wanted.

Morphine for your dressing changes, Tylenol with Codeine for general pain, and a sedative to help you sleep at night.

I'm good with you getting the Tylenol #3. After seeing your wound and what it takes to clean it I'm all for the Morphine too at least for a day or two.

The sedative I don't really want and don't think I will let them give to you but I will wait and see what happens.

I can't pretend that this is anything but hard. We are at a point, physically, mentally, emotionally, (and just to make it really fun) financially, where we just don't know what we are going to do.


But what choice to we have but to keep doing the best we can everyday and get you home as soon as possible.


Today I left your bedside to get some lunch. I was only gone 10 minuets at most.

I had asked the nurse to keep an eye on you but when I came back you were screaming, red, and dripping sweat, you were so upset. I'm pretty sure you had been screaming the entire time I was gone and that the nurse didn't check in on you at all.


This is why I don't and won't leave you. The nurses don't even try and get us to step out anymore. We are the parents that don't leave.

I miss Pierce so much it hurts to think of him.

It's another one of those days where I'm just going to be sad for a while. I will get over it.

I forgot to mention in my last post a big THANK YOU to my niece Whitney who brought Pierce here and then sat with you so brother and I could spend a little time together. It's amazing how those little visits can do so much to restore me and hurt so much at the same time.

The card brother made you

Your Granny came and stayed with you all day yesterday allowing Dad and I some time away from the hospital. She even held you for two hours while you slept. Again she took care of you while taking care of me. We are both lucky to have her.

Another baby passed away today. I can hear the family crying as they pass by in the hall.

I ache for them.

How did I get here? This place where loss is so common.

I'm going to finish this post and hold you.

and hold you

and hold you

and say a prayer of thanks that I can.