21 April, 2009
“We are reaching a new frontier to serve those in desperate need in Haiti”—Ulrick Gaillard, BRA’s CEO
ANSE-A-PITRES, Haiti. – As part of its long-term objective to develop a permanent humanitarian intervention at Haiti’s border communities, the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) dispatched from April 12th through the 19th a team of American dentists, faculty, students and aides to provide free dental assistance to children and adults in dire need of urgent dental care in Haiti’s border Commune of Anse-a-Pitres. Click HERE to view images.
Anse-a-Pitres is located on the Southeastern tip of the island of Hispaniola across to Pedernales in the Dominican Republic. The Anse-a-Pitres’ population of about 30,000 lives in extreme poverty due to its isolation from much government as well as international economic support. Basic services are virtually absent, including potable water, electricity and healthcare living residents in a complete state of abandonment and vulnerable to diseases.
Dr. Thomas Beague, BRA’s Dental Chief and mission leader confirmed that a total of 414 patients received full treatment and more than 600 teeth were pulled. All patients received anesthesia, pain medication, and antibiotics when necessary. Children from 2-10 also received antiparasitic medicines to rid them of intestinal worms and multivitamins to boost their immune system—an effort sponsored by BRA partner, Vitamin Angel Alliance.
BRA joined forces with two local youth groups—AJPA and DJMM to organize the one-week dental clinic’s logistics. “Our initial efforts focused on a large-scale publicity campaign, which included radio interviews, posters and announcements in churches and community organizations throughout Anse-a-Pitres,” said Ulrick Gaillard, BRA’s CEO. Dr. Beague added, “Our team included four dentists (Dr. Steve Ricco, Dr. Ilha Kim, Dr. Adam Merrian and myself), four dental assistants (Sara Beague, Diana M. Beague, Thomas J. Beague and Kathy Delva) and one mission coordinator (Samuel D. Slavin) who worked tirelessly to serve as many people as we could, even though there were many more in need of treatment that did not get a chance to be seen. But we will come back next spring.”
