Loma Linda University launches program in Haiti to improve services for the disabled

The catastrophic 7.0 earthquake in Haiti shook the lives of nearly three million people, killing and injuring tens of thousands. Many survivors now live as amputees.

Loma Linda University Medical Center launched a new program this summer to help rehabilitate the disabled.

“We were in the position we thought we might be able to make a difference,” said Dr. Craig Jackson, the dean of LLU School of Allied Health.

“There it’s so different. They don’t have any support there really. You see people with amputated limbs hopping around, trying to make the best of the situation,” said Melissa Radlein, a third-year physical therapy student.

Eager to learn, 16 Haitians are learning to become certified rehab technicians in their community.

“I had to fight the tears back as they introduced themselves and explained that for many of them, this is a dream come true and just how much this was needed,” said Heather Thomas, PhD,co-director of the program and associate professor of occupational therapy at LLU.

Before the earthquake, 10 percent of the country’s population was disabled. That percentage has only grown since then and has left people relying on international volunteers for help.

However, the number of volunteers is beginning to dwindle as memories of the massive earthquake fade.

“Now that more than two years have passed, fewer therapists are volunteering in the country. But the need remains,” said Thomas.

Over a nine-month period, 30 professors from across California will make the trip to train the students.

Radlein traveled to Haiti for a 12-day mission trip in June when the program kicked off. She hopes to return to help the program progress.

“Having resources here and learning how to help people doesn’t really matter unless you put it into action,” she said.

Thomas said, “My dream is that these students go on to become leaders and to heal that country.”