January 15, 2010

Dear Colleague,
Dear Friend,

The Executive Committee of the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of the Haitian Physicians Abroad (AMHE-NJ) dedicates its prayers and addresses its condolences to all members and friends of the Association. What has happened in Haiti is horrifying and enormous; it will take long before our mind can comprehend it and before the country can recover. This is the starting point for the rebuilding of a new fatherland.

The AMHE-NJ, from the very first hour of the crisis has joined the rescue and relief effort. Colleagues and friends who want to participate are invited do it on three fronts.

First: The AMHE-NJ and its parent association the AMHE invite anyone who wants to go to Haiti deliver care and help on ground zero, to register with us. Some of our physicians are already in place. Unfortunately, the airport is currently quasi non functional. We are setting a schedule for team rotation over the next year or so. Please let us know of your availability.

Second: The AMHE-NJ has been helping the population of La Saline, the poorest of the poor. In the wake of this catastrophe, in this shanty-town community, they have too many people dead, injured or unaccounted for. The area needs our help. We are accepting monetary donations to buy water, canned foods, blankets, medical and surgical supplies that will be sent or brought to our colleagues on the ground who are short in supply to carry the rescue efforts.

Third: It will take years, maybe decades, for Haiti to shake off the consequences of this disaster of incredible magnitude. Diseases, epidemics, rotten poverty, crime, are bound to proliferate. The AMHE-NJ is dedicated and committed to the long-term relief and reconstruction effort. Your help will be dearly needed. Please, stay put.

You may write all monetary contributions, checks or money orders, to : AMHE-NJ Chapter, and mail them to 3057, Town Center Branch, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052.
Our telephone is: 973 865 1317. Visit us at: www.AMHENJ.org.

Holding hands, we stand stronger.

Yours truly


Margaret Olibrice Saint-Fleur, MD
President