In all of 2023 we had a total of 812 patient visits at the clinic. The clinic was open 2 days a week. We averaged about 8 patients per day. During the last three months we have had over 800 patient visits. There are several factors for the dramatic increase. During the second quarter there was an outbreak of a fever, now somewhat contained, running through the community, and an expanded publicity program. Further, in April of this year, we expanded the number of days the clinic is open from two days a week to four days and added a physician. However, the increase in the days that the clinic is open is not the main reason for the increase in numbers. The increase is in large part due to the nutrition program for pre-school children.  On nutrition days the number of patients explodes when mothers bring their preschool children for check-ups and to receive their nutritional supplements.

Haiti has had a problem of food vulnerability for many years, but the gang activity of the last few years has greatly exacerbated the problem by cutting off economic activity primarily by stifling transportation including transportation of food.  We are glad the clinic has been there to respond to the nutritional challenge of children in the community. Of course, the increase in numbers also brings a financial challenge to the Foundation because it also increases the cost of running the clinic. Most of the people that we serve cannot afford to pay for their medical care. We thank the donors that have made the clinic possible with their repeated gifts.