Over $96 Thousand Raised to Date for CMAT program in Haiti
A little girl with a head injury and broken arm being treated at the CMAT Field Hospital in Leogane
Saturday February 13, 2010 – Toronto ― The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Federal Minister of International Cooperation, announced that nationwide, over $113 million in eligible donations have been raised to be matched through the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. The Minister also reminded Canadians that there were only a few days left to see their donation to eligible organizations matched by the Government.
The operating room in the CMAT field hospital continues to treat several patients daily.
“The generosity of our donors is unparalleled,” said Valerie Rzepka, Executive Director of Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT). “Through a range of small scale, medium and large fund raising initiatives across our country and through the efforts of our volunteers, CMAT has raised $96 thousand toward our program in Haiti. We will be submitting a proposal for fund matching through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). These funds will help us to continue to provide much needed medical care to the Haitian people in our field hospital in Léogâne.”
Paramedics Kevin Sanford and Kathy Harms treat a woman with two broken legs.
In addition to monetary donations, CMAT has received a generous donation of a portable x-ray machine from the False Creek Surgical Centre in Vancouver, BC, as well as a portable ultrasound machine.
Martin, a military Physician Assistant plays with children at the local orphanage.
CMAT was on the ground in Haiti within 72 hours after the January 12 7.0 mW earthquake, conducting a needs assessment and scouting locations for the establishment of a field hospital. CMAT medical volunteers staffing the field hospital in Léogâne continues to see upwards of 200 patients per day, though there has been a recent shift from traumatic injury treatment to primary care needs. CMAT continuously assesses the needs of the population and builds its teams to reflect these needs.
A third medical team is set to depart for Haiti this coming weekend.
CMAT’s medical assistance teams are working closely with the Canadian Forces and other organizations in the Léogâne region.
