Camp Bob

On our second day in Haiti, we drove out to one of the tent encampments to treat patients. The camp was composed of around 2,000 people, living in tents. About half of them had tarps as shade & shelter from the rain.

Camp Bob, as it is called is nicer than some, in that USAID has provided them with tarps, drinking water cisterns and portapotties. The camp leaders said they were getting plenty of hydration, but not enough food.

In a small community shelter that served as a church, we offered acupuncture all day (about 5 hours). Women, men & children crowded into the little shack made of tree posts, corrogated steel & tarps until you could barely walk between them. Crowds waited outside in the hot sun.

In order to reach as many people as we can, the treatments are performed with patients sitting, "community style". We use a specified ear protocol, which serves many functions, limiting the need for history taking and maximizing our ability to treat many people. In total, we gave over 260 treatments yesterday: a record for AWB.

The Haitians displaced by the January earthquake were very receptive to acupuncture and expressed much gratitude at our coming. I was impressed by the laughter & smiles flowing from these who had lost so much. Though exhausted at the end of the day, we already felt as if our efforts were making a small difference.