Thank you for your continuous support of FUNTOSALUD International. 2011 has been an eventful year and we are eager to share with your our experience.

First Health Mission May 29 through June 6, 2011

In 2011 FSI coordinated two Health Missions one to the northern border towns of Manzanillo, DR and Meillac, Haiti during May 29 through June 6, 2011 where we counted with the presence of two Doctors from New York Department of Public Health, Dr. Franz Desire and Dr. Isabel Lopez and Dr. Maritza Jimenez founder of Fundacion todo por la Salud. During this one week period, FSI worked in collaboration with the Associacion de Besinos de Manzanillo, (Manzanillo Neighbors Association) the Associacion Cultural de Navarrete and the Community Church of Meillac and a group of volunteers from the Bronx, New York, who served as the local hosts of the Health Mission providing logistical support and organizing the community. During this one week period FSI counted with the commitment of 15 volunteers 20% of them traveled from the US and the rest were local volunteers from the community. The main activities conducted and goals accomplished during the FSI's 2011 Medical Missions where:

• Free medical care for 500 patients living in the northern border towns between Haiti and Dominican Republic
• Provided prescription and over the counter medication to all patients in need free of charge, in addition to over the counter nutritional supplements for infants, children and pregnant mothers.
• Local Hospital referral protocol 5 patients in critical conditions were referred to local hospital for follow-up; stipend was given to patient to cover for transportation and emergency hospital fees.
• Provided 12 community workshops on STD/ HIV prevention and Domestic Violence and provided one on one counseling as needed.



Second Health Mission July 20, through July 28th 2011

FSI in collaboration with the Haitian Coalition of Somerville coordinated a second Health Mission during July 20, through July 28th 2011 this mission was FSI provided benefited over 1000 individuals living at the Caradeux settlement camp in the neighborhood of Tabarre in Port au Prince, Haiti.

This year FUNTOSALUD International partnered with local groups both US based and Haiti based groups to meet our goal of delivering, culturally competent medical, psychological and educational services to the Camp Caradeux and the surrounding community members. This year's team of volunteers was exceptionally talented and committed to providing quality services, respectful of the community. During the second Medical Mission we counted with the assistance of 60 volunteers both local residents and members from our community partner organizations. Our partners included the US based, the Haitian Coalition of Somerville, Franklin Dalembert, Executive Director,Lince Semerzier,Board of Director's president, both served as the host organization providing local in Haiti logistics and accommodations. The Cambridge Health Alliance, which provided medical supplies and medicine. Dr. Marie Louise Jean-Babptiste as well as Linda Cundiff, RN, Marie Margalie Alexis, RN, Suze Alexis RN and Mental Health councilors Barbara Hamm and Janet Yassen all employees from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Physician's for Haiti (PFH), is a Haitian Doctor's guild comprised of 600 doctors residing all across Haiti. Dr. Jimmy Almoza and Dr. Daniel Marie Bardet coordinated a group of 15 Doctors to join us during the 5 day Medical Mission, they alternating to provide 5 doctors each day of the mission. Fist Parish Cambridge/Unitarian Universalist, members from this congregation coordinated fundraising activities, which profit benefited children from the Camp Caradeux School, many of whom are orphan children. Arlington Street Church also assisted in coordinating community fundraising activities to benefit the children of Camp Caradeux, Laura Steinman an Artist in residence and Religious Educator at the Arlington Street Church, provided art workshop for children of the camp and conducted the two teacher training workshops during the Medical Mission.

The main activities conducted and goals accomplished during the FSI's 2011 Medical Missions where:

• Free medical care for over 1000 patients living at the Caradeux settlement camp and neighboring residents of Tabarre in Port au Prince, Haiti.
• Provided prescription and over the counter medication to all patients in need free of charge, in addition to over the counter nutritional supplements for infants, children and pregnant mothers.
• Local Hospital referral protocol 4 patients in critical conditions were referred to local hospital for follow-up, stipend was given to patient to cover for transportation and emergency hospital fees.
• Provided 2 teacher training workshops on how to use art as a form of healing for 20 community teachers. 15 art school classes for children 4-12 years old at the Camp Caradeux School (Class size 35-40 children). 2 - Post Traumatic Stress focus groups for women. Geared towards the women of the camp Caradeux, many of whom are currently being evicted from their tents due to land owners' restriction and who have also been victims of domestic violence, rape, and psychological trauma. 2 hour sessions each (25-30 women).
• One-on-one counseling as needed

Hear about the volunteers themselves

look out for theupcoming report back

activities!