June 1, 2022
Hello from Haiti!
The clinic needs power!
Haiti is known to have a very unreliable power grid. The problem is, it's very hard to operate the clinic, and especially the lab, without a power system of some kind. Several years ago, we installed a battery/inverter system that used city power as the main source with a generator backup. At that time, the city provided intermittent power, although it would often go out for days at a time. When that happened, we would use the generator to charge the batteries. Now, we almost never receive city power and the generator has become the primary power source.
The situation gets complicated.
The generator runs on gasoline. Because of the general market conditions for gasoline, complicated by the fact the gangs are controlling the ports where gasoline is imported, it is a very expensive and scarce commodity. The batteries from our original system have reached their end of serviceable life, meaning the only time the clinic has power is when the generator is running. The staff uses it as little as possible as a result. We believe we need to fix this situation.
We have a plan!
Haiti is blessed with abundant sunshine. It's one of the country's most plentiful resources. We need to capture it and put it to work in the clinic! We have identified a solar panel system with the electronics and new batteries to go with it. When this system is installed, the solar will be the primary power source which will charge the batteries for when the sun is not shining. We can use the inverter from the existing power system. The generator will then be used only in emergencies. This system is not in our current budget, and we are hoping some of you might be in a position to help us. It's not inexpensive, but this system will make a huge difference to our patients and staff. Including freight and customs duties in Haiti, we are seeking funding of $12,000. If you feel called to help, donations may be made through the link below. Just put "solar" in the comment section. Gifts can also be mailed to the address below. Please keep us in your prayers as we take this big step!
