Hello to all,

I apologize for not posting information sooner, things never go as
planned! I just wanted to send out an update on the happenings here
and say thank you to everyone for their dedication and commitment to
the ministries of HSC and the people of Haiti. As you already know, I
did not arrive in Haiti until April due to the political problems.
Things at the hopital continued to run during the troubled months of
February and March. At times, HSC was one of the safer hopitals for
Haitians seeking medical care.

Unfortunately, our busiest season in the guesthouse is normally the
months of February-April. We lost a lot of volunteer groups, which
in turn means a major loss in revenue for the hopital. Fortunately
groups have started coming back, regardless of the State Dept's
terrifying travel warning (which seems to always be in effect). We
hosted our first group back in early April. They were all first
timers and I commend their commitment to the hopital. Since then we
have hosted 2 other lare groups and many smaller groups and
independent visitors.

USAID provided funding for the construction of a nursing school in
Leogane last year. The building is complete and remarkable. The
Medical Benevolence Foundation is now working on fundraising for the
operating costs. MBF sent a video team here in early May to document
the Nursing School and also the other ministries of the Episcopal
Diocese of Haiti.

Hopital Ste Croix is in a difficult financial situation this year.
The political problems of Haiti, lack of volunteers, and a
significant decrease in giving from the states has left the hopital
budget fairly minimal. We are working towards several grants and we
have been blessed by several generous donors.

Amidst the crisis earlier in the year, Hopital Ste Coix is still
providing the best possible health care to the people of Haiti.
There is a thriving cervical cancer research program sponsored by
Family Health Ministries and the Filariasis Research program
sponsored by the CDC and Notre Dame continues to be very active in
both research and community awareness. There is also a new blood
bank under construction, sponsored by the Red Cross. We are also
almost finished with the new AIDS patient reception and testing
area. There are several patient and consulting areas in this new
addition which will aid those who are battling this disease. HSC also
held their first Board Meeting in mid-June. Progress reports and
future visions were discussed among the both Haitian and American
board members.

The volunteer calendar is slowly starting to fill up again for this
fall and next spring. I am deeply grateful for those dedicated
volunteers who commit their time, energy, and faith into both the
hopital and the people of Haiti. Now more than ever, we need to
support both Haiti and her people. It is very important for us to
better understand the political, social, and cultural standards and
customs of this unique country. With better understanding
relationships thrive and progress and innovation flourishes.

I am hopeful when looking into the future of both the hoptial and
Haiti. There are many dedicated people here working towards a better
tomorrow. I am blessed to be working amongst such inspirational
people.

My hope is that as the hot summer months die down, the groups will
start coming back. The doors of Hopital Ste Croix are always open to
old friends and new faces.

Peace be,
Katie Griggs
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Hopital Ste Croix