NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Monroe College, anational leader in urban and international education, today announced that alumni and facultyfrom its School of Nursing are traveling to Fonfrede, Haiti today for a weeklong mission to provide medical assistance and health education to the underserved community.
The Monroe contingent will be working and living with members of the Fonfredecommunity, a remote area in the South of Haiti that was severely impacted by the catastrophic earthquake in 2010. Its 20,000 residents face extreme poverty in an economy where healthcare is expensive and largely inaccessible, rendering them susceptible to malnutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, cholera and other healthcare concerns.
This is the second year that the School of Nursing has participated in a medical mission in Haiti. Monroe’s nursing program, which aims to make graduates aware of the cultural differences in caring for diverse communities, gives its nursing graduates a unique opportunity to engage in clinical experiences outside of the United States. It is partnered on this initiative with CapraCare, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop sustainable community health programs for children and their families in Fonfrede.
The Monroe nursing team will work at the CapraCarehealth clinic and make home visits in the community to provide physical assessments, wound care, and perform procedures such as blood pressure, weight and height checks, diabetes and vision screenings, and oral care. They have also prepared presentations translated into Creole, Haiti’s native language, to help teach individuals in the local community about important health issues, such as breast self-examination, STDs and nutrition, in addition to proper hygiene and HIV/AIDS prevention.
“Our nursing program provides students and graduates with a variety of real-world clinical experiences that are integral to their development, education, and understanding of the nursing profession,” said Deborah Little, Dean of Monroe’s School of Nursing. “In the past, we have directed our efforts toward initiatives within the Bronx community, but this year, with the help of CapraCare, we are eager to continue our support to a Haitian community in great need of health and medical assistance.Our students are well-equippedto put their knowledge and skills to use, and will undoubtedlyreceive a great amount of fulfillment and satisfaction from helping make a difference in the lives of others.”
Dean Little, Professor Laura Penalo, and Jean Pierre-Louis MPH, Founder &CEO of CapraCare will accompany the graduates on this mission to Haiti.
Monroe College’s School of Nursing is recognized for its commitment to innovative and engaging instruction. Taught by a faculty of experienced nursing professionals, students learn with a hands-on approach to nurture caring, compassion, clinical competency, critical thinking skills and leadership skills. Information on the School of Nursing and its programs is available online.