undergrad connection in haiti

[Sally Greenwald]

Hi Dean Sackey, Dr Pearlmutter and Haiti Team,

I have been communicating with a group of Tufts undergrads who are involved in a clinic in northern Haiti. They are supported by undergrad staff, have their own funds and are building their own maternal birthing clinic. I think that there may be opportunities for us to work there in the future (the clinic is still under construction), I will leave this up to Dean Sackey and Dr Pearlmutter to think about and will follow up with you after break.

In the meantime, they have a group who are interested in providing time to us here in the states. Partner up with us in a buddy-type program where they can help background research, data analysis, fund raise, etc. I encourage the med students going next year or those of us who just went and are not done looking at data, to think about including them in the project. They are very motivated, fully capable and have loads more time than we do. (see below for their capabilities)

If you are interested in getting in touch with them and having difficulty please let me know. I'd be happy to facilitate. Below is a short list of why they might be helpful to work with and attached is a letter of interest from their director.

Sally

--from their director, Alon Slutzky:

"Six points I was going to make on why we should work together. 

1. We have similar priorities: increase health in North Haiti (specifically maternal health)

2. We are in close proximity to each other and therefore a logical expansion of TUSM's work in the region

3. Respe can help analyze the data gathered by TUSM (help generate charts, graphs, etc.)

• the data collected on pediatric mortality and womens' delivery method choices align with our interests perfectly!

4. Respe has built a strong connection with the community of Balan over the last few years 

• Has a foundation to implement initiatives 
• Has a means of sharing the data with the community (community participation is one of Respe's main focuses) 
• Can arrange accommodation for guests coming to the community (potential Tufts med students, public health students...) 

5. Respe can help manage and implement initiatives in Balan while TUSM students continue their rounds in Milot and/or are occupied with their studies. 

6. Last but not least, the potential educational opportunities that would arise from undergraduate and graduate participation are invaluable! "

[Sackey, Joyce A.]

Sally,
Thanks for the heads up. It sounds like it may be worth exploring this further. There may be logistical considerations as pointed out by Dr Pearlmutter but perhaps we could think of ways of collaborating either virtually or locally at Tufts (either before or after the work in Haiti).

Best,
Dean Sackey
________________________________
From: Sally Greenwald [sallygr...@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 1:30 PM
To: Mark D. Pearlmutter; Sackey, Joyce A.; ihear...@googlegroups.com; Maggie Westfal; Sophia Kostelanetz
Subject: undergrad connection in haiti

Hi Dean Sackey, Dr Pearlmutter and Haiti Team,

I have been communicating with a group of Tufts undergrads who are involved in a clinic in northern Haiti. They are supported by undergrad staff, have their own funds and are building their own maternal birthing clinic. I think that there may be opportunities for us to work there in the future (the clinic is still under construction), I will leave this up to Dean Sackey and Dr Pearlmutter to think about and will follow up with you after break.

In the meantime, they have a group who are interested in providing time to us here in the states. Partner up with us in a buddy-type program where they can help background research, data analysis, fund raise, etc. I encourage the med students going next year or those of us who just went and are not done looking at data, to think about including them in the project. They are very motivated, fully capable and have loads more time than we do. (see below for their capabilities)

If you are interested in getting in touch with them and having difficulty please let me know. I'd be happy to facilitate. Below is a short list of why they might be helpful to work with and attached is a letter of interest from their director.

Sally

--from their director, Alon Slutzky:

"Six points I was going to make on why we should work together.

1. We have similar priorities: increase health in North Haiti (specifically maternal health)
2. We are in close proximity to each other and therefore a logical expansion of TUSM's work in the region
3. Respe can help analyze the data gathered by TUSM (help generate charts, graphs, etc.)

* the data collected on pediatric mortality and womens' delivery method choices align with our interests perfectly!

4. Respe has built a strong connection with the community of Balan over the last few years

* Has a foundation to implement initiatives
* Has a means of sharing the data with the community (community participation is one of Respe's main focuses)
* Can arrange accommodation for guests coming to the community (potential Tufts med students, public health students...)