Healthcare

Prior to GBTN’s involvement in the community, no children were receiving any medical care. These children had been born at home, had no immunizations, and had never seen a doctor or had a physical exam.

Through a partnership with a local doctor and clinic in Jacmel, the boys and girls now receive 24-hour medical care. When the children are ill, the parent calls our Healthcare Director. GBTN staff assesses the children’s illnesses, transports them to the clinic, obtain any laboratory tests, x-rays, and medicine as needed. GBTN pays for all medical costs. GBTN has coordinated and paid for many hospitalizations, 13 surgeries, and has 7 future surgeries currently scheduled.

GBTN is responsible for patient and parent teaching regarding the child’s illness, treatment, and medication administration. GBTN will also support the family of the child for their medical needs in extreme cases as time and resources allow. What is important to note is that these children’s medical needs are meet not just during clinic hours, but also through home visits late at night and on weekends.

Children have received treatment for malaria, typhoid fever, pneumonia, asthma attacks, severe burns, and other complex medical conditions that would have resulted in mortality if care were not provided. GBTN transports the children to and from all medical facilities. We are currently conducting physicals on all the children to establish a database to track the children’s growth and health over time.