The earthquake in Haiti dealt a disastrous blow to the already fragile Haitian healthcare system, including critical nursing services. Eight hospitals were destroyed, and the University Nursing and Medical School collapsed as classes were underway. Amid devastation to their own families and communities, nurses are working hard to respond to the urgent needs of victims. To help these nurses, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has established the ICN Supporting Nurses and Nursing in Haiti Fund. It is aimed at strengthening nursing services and education in Haiti during the recovery and reconstruction period.
ICN has asked Elsevier for help as a leading publisher with the largest depth and breadth of content for nurses. Elsevier has already served as a core publishing and logistical partner for the ICN Nursing Mobile Library since its founding in 2001. Elsevier received ICN’s 2009 Partners in Development Award for providing steep book discounts and absorbing all logistical costs associated with the library. For Haiti, Elsevier has pledged funds from Reed Elsevier Cares, employee donations and the Elsevier Foundation Matching Gift Program. In addition to providing the nursing texts, Elsevier will also provide logistical expertise including negotiating a deeply discounted rate to ship the libraries to the Dominican Republic, as Port-au-Prince is closed to non-military aircraft.
The ICN is working with nurses on the ground to determine what sort of resources they need from Elsevier. Marie Myrlande Buendia, a Haitian-Swiss nurse who is a consultant to the project, said that about 46 percent of Haitians are under the age of 16, so they need more books on pediatrics. Also, there have been at least 6,000 amputations since the earthquake, so health professionals desperately need information on follow-up treatment for the wounds.
Linda Carrier-Walker, ICN Director of Development and coordinator of the Haiti mobile library relief effort, said they are working towards the “larger dream of having the nursing school rebuilt.”
Author: Ylann Schemm, Corporate Relations Manager, Elsevier
Source: Elsevier Connect, Elsevier’s global employee newsletter