85 days and counting…

    It’s that time of year again.  The holidays are over, the snow is on the ground, Indiana is frozen, and my thoughts turn south.  This year will be Avék Anpil Men Medical Relief’s second trip to Haiti.  We will again be aiding our close friends, Vlad, Merline, and Francise at their clinic AOM.  We will have 3 physicians and 3 nurses this trip.  We are still trying to keep the groups as small as possible for now.  We will leave on 5/2/15 and return 5/12/15.  A little longer trip than last year, but I am sure no matter how long we stayed it would never be long enough.  
    I’m doubly excited because for the first time we will have the ability to take monetary donations and will be having fundraisers that will aid AOM directly.  We hope to be able to donate monies to be used for the purchase of medication.  Medication in Haiti is very expensive, but the benefits of buying the medications there outweigh this cost.  For one, it is much easier than trying to accumulate meds here, organize the meds, and get them there safely and legally.  Secondly, some of the medications used are European and they are what the Haitian physicians use routinely.  Thus, reducing medication errors when using US drugs they may not be familiar with.  Lastly, just like in the states, buying local stimulates the Haitian economy.  This fits are model of empowering the Haitians to help themselves.  It is an awesome time in this fledgling organization.  Please check out our website avekanpilmen.com to follow our preparations.  

Warmest regards,

Ryan Venis, MD
Founder AAMMR

2/6/15