Upcoming Projects for '08-'09

As discussed at our first meeting and then some:

SAVING MOTHERS

Saving Mothers Research Team is an organization dedicated to reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in developing countries. You can make a difference! This semester, help us distribute clean birthing kits for home births in Sierra Leone, which has the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Or, if you are traveling abroad, join our research network to increase access to a lifesaving drug.

For more information, check out our website at www.savingmothers.org. To get involved, email nyy3@columbia.edu.

MAISON DE NAISSANCE

Maison de Naissance is primarily a birthing-center. MN also provides family planning services, immunizations for children, helps to treat malaria cases, as well as home visits to assure the general health of the neighboring families. In March 2008, a group of 8 postbacc students went on a volunteer trip to work at Maison de Naissance, a rural healthcare clinic in Les Cayes, Haiti. Prior to going, SJM hosted a fundraiser and office-supply drive.

For the 2008-2009 school year, SJM would like to continue its involvement with Maison de Naissance. We have several goals this school year: hosting fundraisers to support the clinic, (check the calendar for more information about the upcoming Clothing-Swap); raising awareness of the social, political, and economic challenges facing Haiti through lectures. We are also exploring the possibility of taking another trip in 2009.

Anyone interested in getting involved can email columbiasjm@gmail.com with "Haiti" in the subject line.

HIV & POVERTY ROTATION
The HIV & Poverty Rotation Program is currently in the nascent stages. The program's goals is to make explicit the deep connections between health and socioeconomic conditions particularly as it concerns HIV infection here in New York City.

The program will consist of two phases: 1) a shadowing rotation through several clinics and community based organizations that serve New Yorkers living with HIV and 2) a longer term project working with one of the aforementioned organizations.

Anyone interested in getting involved can email columbiasjm@gmail.com with "HIV Rotation" in the subject line.

How to Get Involved with Doc to Dock

Last Friday at Doc to Dock went really well and was a lot of fun. We helped sort and organize medical supplies and load the supplies onto wooden pallets for shipping. The people at Doc to Dock were super friendly and very grateful.

In order to ensure that we are consistent with our continuing commitment to Doc to Dock, we have created a Google Doc that will act as our doc to dock sign up sheet.

If you'd like to participate:

1) Click on the link above (or on the sidebar)
2) Sign up (with your name and email) for dates that you can COMMIT to going to Doc to Dock. If you sign your name we will be counting on you to attend.
3) Feel free to sign up for more than one day, but don't get greedy. Space is limited to a total of 10 people per session.

Directions to Doc to Dock:
(2,3,4,5,N,M,R,Q,D) to the Atlantic/Pacific station; R/M at the Union St
Subway Map


View Larger Map

Questions? Contact Kevin at kevinpaik@gmail.com

Thanks!!

Hurricane Update from Haiti

Dear Friends of Maison de Naissance,

The HM-HB office in Kansas City has been receiving updates on the current situation at Maison de Naissance. In spite of the torrential rains and flooding throughout the country, the staff continues to report to duty and be prepared to do what they are known best for -- welcoming healthy mothers and healthy babies into this vast world.

After much discussion, HM-HB has created an Emergency Relief Fund. For more information about this, please go directly to www.maisondenaissance.org.

In the mean time, please keep our staff, patients, their families and the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. The water will eventually flow back into the ocean and seep deep into the earth. Haiti, however will be left waist deep in mud, with even fewer functioning water pumps and just raw, bare soil. Naked. Just like a newborn child. And, this is going to be when Haiti needs a hand up even more than ever.

With Hope,
Tina

HM-HB Administrative Coordinator
816.812.7100
Tina@hm-hb.org

Malnutrition Symposium

Doctors Without Borders & The Institute for Human Nutrition at P&S have jointly organized a symposium on childhood malnutrition. The symposium is taking place around the Columbia campus September 11-12.

Starved for Attention
The neglected crisis of Childhood Malnutrition

Today's Agenda
Multimedia: videos & slideshows