TRIP TIPS FOR HAITI: Preparing for a Surgical Mission Trip to Haiti with NAVMC

Thank you so much for volunteering your time, money, and expertise to the people of Haiti.

1. You will need to register with Medishare. In your registration you will need to specify your personal information, licensing information, and that you are part of NAVMC and will be traveling with Dr. Bull Durham. Please follow the step by step guide to registering. https://donate.projectmedishare.org/events/project-medishare-for-haiti-volunteer-registration/e91580
   Click “register now” after you have selected Hospital Bernard Mevs Volunteer.
   
2. After you are done registering, please make a $300.00 donation to Project Medishare. https://donate.projectmedishare.org/checkout/donation?eid=83526
   Please send me the confirmation that you have paid the $300.00. (Jessica.Hanson@nahealth.com)
3. Purchase international travel insurance. This can be useful in the event of requiring emergency transportation out of the country due to medical issues. Travel Guard is a good company to use. http://www.travelguard.com/?cmpid=kac-001-MK-Bing-Brand&creative=78615088637268&device=c&matchtype=p
4. Reference the CDC website for information about Haiti. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/haiti
5. Everyone must register with the Embassy through our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program –https://step.state.gov/step/
6. Make an appointment with the county or Passport Health to get your immunization. Waiting until the last minute is not a good idea. They are booked out a few weeks for international travel appointments, and some of the immunizations take three weeks to be effective. The nurses that work at these clinics are very competent when it comes to international travel. Any and every question you have in regards to preventative illnesses should be answered at this appointment.
7. Get a prescription for malaria prophylaxis. Typically your PCP can write a prescription, or the Coconino Country Heath Department can give you one when you go in for your immunization appt. Options include:
   1. Chloroquine Phosphate 500 mg weekly.  One tablet a week before the trip, one weekly during the trip and one weekly for 4 weeks after getting back.
   2. Doxycycline 100mg daily for two days before the trip, daily during the trip and then for 28 consecutive days after returning.
   3. Malarone one tablet daily for 1-2 days before the trip, daily during the trip and then daily for 7 days after returning
8. Make sure that your passport up-to-date, and doesn’t expire within 6 months of the trip.
9. Please have a large duffle bag that we can use for surgical supplies. We are going to be having a packing party a week before we leave for our trip. The party will be held at Dr. Durham’s house.
10. If you plan on going to the orphanage (highly recommended), it will cost $45.00 a night. If you could give cash directly to Bull Durham or me (Jessica Hanson) we will give Florence (Mom of the Orphanage) a lump sum.
11. We recommend that you bring some items on the trip. Here is a list of items that would be super beneficial.
    1. Mosquito netting & twine (can get at Peace Surplus; can also use small carabiners)
    2. Mattress cover for a small twin bed
    3. Sleeping sheet (basically a sleeping bag made out of a sheet)
    4. A light weight sleeping bag (Blanket)
    5. A camp towel
    6. Head lamp
    7. Bug repellent with lots of DEET in it
    8. Sunscreen
    9. Small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, although sometimes there is some there.
    10. A fanny pack in which to keep valuables
    11. Hand Sanitizer
    12. Food:  I bring lots of snacks and usually something for breakfast
12. Call me with any questions. I am more than happy to spend time preparing you guys for your mission trip. Jessica Hanson (928)-607-5327
13. Lastly, take a deep breath and try to think about what your intentions are for the trip. Let’s help educate the healthcare providers in Haiti. They are all overly eager to learn, and look forward to our visit.