suggested packing list for Pharmacists (updated)

I have about a dozen half-written journal entries that I need to post soon... Maybe my New Year's resolution should be to get more on top of that... Anyways, I've had a few requests for my suggested packing list, so am posting it as a note. It also contains a bit of commentary from Laura and myself...

Happy Holidays!

Suggested Packing List for Pharmacists

-enough clothes/scrubs for each day
(plus some extra if you get thrown up on or peed on in peds. Dress code is comfortable/casual, no white coat required)
-socks (and extra socks)
-comfortable shoes
-flip flops for the shower
-underwear
(it's coed sleeping, so don't bring your ratty undies)
-pajamas, and if you think you'll need it, an eye mask or ear plugs
(see previous coed sleeping note)
-Fannypack
(you will wear it at all times and keep your valuables, passport and money in it... socially unacceptable in the states, a MUST in Haiti)
-raincoat/poncho
-wide brimmed hat, sunblock, sunglasses
(helps with sun and rain)
-camera
(remember extra batteries or the charger)
-a journal
(optional)
-shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, deodarant, towel, etc.
-Sleeping bag/blankets/ pillow/ whatever you want for sleeping
(be sure to bring a fitted twin sheet – we have bunk beds with plastic covers on the mattresses and that sheet makes all the difference! Please consider bringing bedding that you're going to leave behind. Often times patients have no sheets or pillows unless we have them to give to them.)
-food/snacks
(2 meals a day are provided, but extra food/snacks is recommended. Good things are peanut butter crackers, tuna and cracker packs, granola bars, trail mix, candy, anything non perishable. There is access to a microwave and a hot pot)
-instant coffee/creamer/sugar
(if you're a coffee person or want to make friends with the coffee drinkers in your dorm room who didn't get this list and are jonesing for some caffeine)
-Reusable water bottle
(just the bottle, not bottled water)
-Cash
(American money works fine everywhere, don't get taken advantage of by the people offering to change money at the airport. They'll often try to tell you there are only 5 or 20 gourde to the US dollar, but it's actually more like 40. People often ask "how much money should I bring?", and it really depends... I suggest $60-$100. You may want to purchase burgers/beer from the UN or some artwork from the craft fair that our spinal cord patients put on. No bills larger than a $20, no one will be able to break them!)
-HEADLAMP
(notice this item is bolded... VERY essential...)
-Bug spray
(some volunteers also bring mosquito netting... I think it's about 50% of the people who like to have the netting.)
-any personal medications
-any items needed to do your job
(This is the list I send to incoming pharmacists, so if you're a nurse/provider/lab tech there may be some "tools of the trade" (like stethoscope, BP cuff, otoscope) that you ought to add to your personal packing list. This includes things like "I have a latex allergy, and gargantuan man-hands. I need XXL nitrile gloves." This doesn't really apply to pharmacists, as we rarely wear gloves, but to everyone else reading this, if this sounds like you, please bring a box of gloves!)
-Sharpies
-Pens

Also, I have some linens and towels at the hospital that have been laundered and can be borrowed by volunteers. This frees up some luggage space to bring needed items like diapers and chucks pads. Please contact me on my personal email address pitt5297@pacificu.edu and let me know if you're interested. I'll see if I have some I can "reserve" for you, and I'll let you know what items we're in need of!

~PJ

update on current conditions in PaP (post-election)

The Haitian government waited until midnight to announce the election results. Overnight there were drunken manifestations all around the palace and in parts of the city, but around here, things have been fairly quiet during the daytime today. We are safe, on lockdown, and things are fairly calm (all things considered.) As always, safety is our primary concern.

Report from Jason (Physical Therapist):

All main routes in Port au Prince/Petionville/Peguyville have barricades and burning tires in several locations. Some are manned by angry crowds with rocks. Several vehicles have been damaged. Many secondary streets also have tires burning. There are several tires burning in Petionville. PNH has been very slow to respond, and in some areas, there has been no PNH presence. Many officers have refused to report to duty due to the election results. Several stores have been broken in and looted (Comp Haiti in PV and Asterisks at Pl St Pierre). Kenscoff road is barricaded in Fermathe and also two locatons in Pelerin. A contact made it through to PV from Thomassin but reported that he had many difficulties and it took him a long time to pass down. There are large crowds throughout the city. Most are anti-Celestin/Preval. The situation is not safe and deteriorating. There are reports of buildings being looted in several cities. Reports that "the city is burning" are being sent out. Gun fire is light and sporadic. American Airlines has cancelled all flights.



~PJ