The election results

Last night the results of the elections were announced. The top 2 candidates will have a run-off election. Only one of the people who were thought to be the top 2 was named. In place of the other, a candidate supported by the present government was named. Today there are demonstrations throughout Haiti. Fires are being set in the streets and, in one town, government buildings were destroyed. Schools are closed as are many shops. American airlines is not flying into the country today and tomorrow.

One crowd marched past the Center with banners supporting the candidate who did not get named. Numerous small tire fires are burning on roads in town, including the ones leading to the Center and the Clinic. So far, the demonstrations have not been violent here in Jeremie. Sr. Maryann has pulled HHF cars off the road for the rest of the day. So - this seemed like a good time to "stay inside" and catch up on the blog.

Cholera -- it is spreading like a wild-fire. Many of the villages that are a part of the HHF health system now have victims. Supplies are constantly being gotten together to distribute to these mountain areas. At both the clinic and the Center, staff that can put off their regular duties for a time are preparing packets of salt and sugar (1 tsp and 8 tsp respectively) for adding to a liter of clean boiled water for rehydration. We have also made small bottles of chlorox with an added dropper so that 5 drops can be added to one gallon of water for drinking, cleaning vegetables, dishes, etc.

Thus far, one employee here at the Center has gotten sick, but she is doing better.

The organization responsible for the Cholera Treatment Center is overwhelmed, with not enough tents, beds, IV's, personnel, but is making every effort to get on top of the situation. And we continue to educate on what and how much rehydration fluid is needed to prevent the person from getting so sick that he/she must go to the treatment center. As with many illnesses, the very young and the very old are the most vulnerable.

Though numbers of patients are down a little, pregnant woman and breastfeeding mothers with babies continue to come for their appointments on a daily basis. Life goes on. You still see smiles, but you also see more worry lines on peoples' faces. The people of Haiti, especially the poor, have had to bear so much hardship! So do remember them in your prayers - especially those times you feel you are overwhelmed.

Take care. Till next time. Peace Mary Ann