Eleven of the 13 volunteers that UNMC sent to Haiti last week will return this weekend.
The team spent the past week treating countless victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake. They’ve saved lives, treated wounds and even delivered babies.
“It’s great to be here for life, not just treating disaster,” said volunteer Nick Hall, a nurse from The Nebraska Medical Center, after the team delivered a healthy baby boy on Thursday.
Volunteers also took on leadership roles at hospitals in Haiti and their efforts have positioned UNMC to be a leader in the long-term relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.
As the first group prepares to come home, UNMC continues to organize for its second deployment, which is anticipated to occur next week.
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UNMC anesthesiology instructor Oluyemisi Odugbesan, M.D., is among the 13 medical center volunteers who have helped treat the wounded in Haiti this week. Dr. Odugbesan has directed pain management in the operating room at the Hopital Dela Communaute Hatienne in Port-au-Prince. (Photo taken from Dr. Odugbesan’s blog.) |
Recent reports from the volunteers indicate that pharmacists as well as physician assistants and physical therapists with orthopaedics and plastics expertise are needed.
UNMC also seeks support for the University of Nebraska Foundation’s UNMC Haitian Relief and Outreach Fund, which had raised $20,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
UNMC’s goal is to raise $100,000 for the fund, which will support medical center volunteers and offset their personal costs as they give their time and talent to help in Haiti.
Donations can be made online or through the mail at:
Omaha Office of the University of Nebraska Foundation
2285 S. 67th St. Suite 200
Omaha, NE 68106
Those with friends, relatives or colleagues at Union Pacific or Midwest Laboratories can urge them to donate to the UNMC fund as their employers will match their donations dollar-for-dollar.
The Midwest Laboratories matching offer runs through today.
Thanks to the Satellite phones I have heard from my husband Dr David Young every night. He is very impressed with the work already done and intends to stay at least three weeks more. After spending some nights on the floor I believe he is to get a bed this weekend. His comment about the Haitian people are that" They are beautiful,strong and ever so thankful".