GBA Staffers Help Design Renewable Energy Project Now Providing Power at HMHB Clinic in Haiti

Just a year ago, members of the Kansas City Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-KC) (http://www.ewb-kc.org/) started work on a renewable energy project in Torbeck, Haiti, in partnership with Healthy Mothers – Healthy Babies (HMHB) (http://www.hm-hb.org/). HMHB operates Maison de Naissance (MN) (http://www.maisondenaissance.org/), a free birthing home in Haiti, near Les Cayes, which had relied on a diesel generator to power lights, fans, and computers. Members of the EWB team designed and built a solar power photovoltaic system that is providing much needed power to the clinic. GBA staffers Keri McGill and Alan Lehman, who were part of the design team, provided updates on the project throughout the year, below.  

For those interested in donating to an organization that is on the ground and poised to assist with immediate relief efforts in and around Port au Prince, Partners in Health (http://www.pih.org/home.html) has been in Haiti for over 20 years and is actually the second largest employer in Haiti. PIH is at the forefront of providing medical care to Haitians and has an earthquake donation link set up on their website. The NY Times blog "The Lede" discusses some of PIH’s recent activities in Haiti [link]. 

Haiti HMHB Project Update – Post Earthquake, January 2010

Members of the Kansas City Professional Chapter of EWB designed and installed a solar power photovoltaic system on the clinic’s roof in the Spring of 2009. We are happy to report that the system is working and MN won’t be caught in the diesel shortage. Although MN wasn’t hit directly by the earthquake, they are and will be affected for years to come. Not only does MN anticipate a hearty increase in expenses to maintain even the simplest of operations, there is currently a major urban-rural migration occurring. An influx of people into the rural areas will further tax the availability of materials that have typically been delivered via Port-au-Prince. You can donate directly to the Maison de Naissance Foundation on their website. US Office: 6247 Brookside Boulevard, Suite 224, KCMO.

Haiti HMHB Project Update, June 2009

GBA's Alan Lehman and Keri McGill worked with other members of the Kansas City Professional Chapter of EWB on a renewable energy project for a Healthy Mothers - Healthy Babies (HM-HB) birthing clinic near Les Cayes, Haiti. The clinic previously relied on a diesel generator for all of its electricity. Alan and Keri assisted with the design of a solar power photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the facility. An implementation team traveled to Haiti in April and again in May to install the solar panel system.

Healthy Mothers - Healthy Babies, January 2009

Local professional members of EWB-KC have started work on a renewable energy project in partnership with Healthy Mothers - Healthy Babies (HMHB) for Maison de Naissance (MN), a free birthing home in Haiti. MN is welcoming and friendly – in keeping with the hospitality of a home rather than a medical center which can be culturally intimidating. All services are free, because even the least financial expectation would be a deterrent to preventative care and early treatment of problems.

MN does not have electrical service. HMHB is currently spending $3,000 per month on fuel for a diesel generator to power lights and fans in about 8 rooms. Access to the computers and the internet allows HMHB to provide first world care in the poorest of settings. HMHB can reduce their operating costs through solar power. Members of EWB-KC are currently designing a solar power system for the facility. Members of EWB-KC will also assist in the installation of this project in early 2009.