Refuah Health Donates “Relief Mobile” To Haiti
by Amanda Salzman
Months after arriving in Haiti, Refuah Health’s donated mobile medical unit provided safety-net services to residents of Grand Goave.
In February 2022, RefuahHealth donated a mobile unit to relief efforts in the earthquake-stricken nation. The federally qualified community health center, which serves low-income residents across New York’s lower Hudson Valley and provides primary medical, dental, and mental health services to Rockland County’s Haitian community, enjoys longstanding relationships with local Haitian community-based organizations.
“Thank you Refuah for trusting us,” said Renold Julien, Executive Director of Konbit Neg Lakay.
The donation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of RefuahHealth, Konbit Neg Lakay, and Rockland County Haiti Relief – two community-based organization dedicated to assisting new and established Haitian immigrants. Konbit Neg Lakay and Rockland County Haiti Relief have an active base of volunteers in Haiti and were able to arrange shipment of the mobile as well as on-going staffing and supplies.
The donated mobile will provide safety net medical services to residents who are still grappling with the devastation caused by the 2021 quake which struck the Tiburon Peninsula, 77 miles west of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The natural disaster left 650,000 people in need of assistance and caused more damage than the 2010 earthquake.
In addition to the devastation caused by the most recent earthquake, the Caribbean nation is experiencing complex challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest that has led to widespread instability and violence. Haiti is also in the midst of a cholera outbreak with 2,000 suspected cases and 55 deaths attributed to the virulent disease and, according to Jean-Martin Bauer, the country director for the World Food Programme, is on the verge of famine.
“Our hearts are with the people of Haiti, and we hope the medical services provided aboard the mobile will help during this challenging time when access to medical care is of paramount importance. The Haitian community is an integral part of Rockland County and the RefuahHealth community and we are grateful to be able to partner with local Haitian community leaders,” said Alexandra Khorover, Chief Strategy Officer.
According to Julien, the Rockland County Haiti Relief & Refuah Care Mobile will travel a monthly rotation, making one week stops in four different cities. Services are available to any Haitian in need.
“Mobile medical vans present a unique opportunity to reach patients who would otherwise be unreachable. The opportunity to assist in this manner is an extension of our mission of delivering high quality care to all individuals in need,” said Khorover.
RefuahHealth, a community cornerstone for over 30 years, provides comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health care, including select medical specialties, to residents across Rockland and Sullivan counties in New York’s lower Hudson Valley. Per the US Department of Health and Human Services, RefuahHealth is a 501(c)3 Federally Qualified Community Health Center.
