November 2016 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.

Kay Lasante, Haiti

Kay Lasante, a Haitian operated Clinic in Haiti, is facilitated by the House of Grace Catholic Worker together with Bishop Thomas Gumbleton. Since 2004 Kay Lasante staff continues to offer quality health care for both children and adults. The clinic also provides other services that are rare in Haiti: health education, disease prevention, home visits, acupuncture for stress reduction, and homeopathic treatment of chronic pain. The Dr. and staff of Kay Lasante see approximately 400 adults and 100 children/ month. J.Berrigan

I am often asked what gives me hope, or strength to continue this work in Haiti that presents so many challenges. My response is that I am always inspired by the people that I work with - their passion, courage, and determination to carry on in the face of impossible odds — and seeing the suffering and needs of the people we serve.

It seems that the longer I am involved in Haiti, the less I understand. There is always something during my time there that “wakes me up” to the complex reality of life in Haiti, and the good work that is happening at Kay Lasante. My recent trip was no exception. Two conversations come to mind: one a visit with patients in the crowded waiting area, and the other, a lengthy conversation with Ms. Ludna, the housekeeper.

I intentionally sat with people in order to introduce myself as a representative of the board from the U.S., and offer an opportunity for them to share what they thought of the clinic, what they liked, and listen to suggestions for what could be improved. Each person that spoke shared how grateful they were to have this clinic in the community. Kay Lasante is the only free clinic in the area. They feel that they are treated with respect, and that the medicines they are given are “good” medicines. Not one person offered a complaint, despite the long wait. They expressed understanding when I explained that we have only one doctor available to see so many patients.

One woman sat quietly in the corner with a newborn on her lap. She hadn’t spoken, and I couldn’t resist talking with her and seeing the baby. I sat down beside her. She shared that she gave birth four days ago at home. When I asked, “Who helped you?” A shy smile brightened her face, a light shone in her eyes, and with her finger pointed to heaven she said “Bondye.” God. After she gave birth, she told me, a lady who knew what to do came and cut the cord with a blade. This is her fifth child, but it is the first time she has had somewhere to go with her newborn to make sure everything was all right. I then asked, “what is her name?” Gracia, which I was told means grace and gratitude - how could I not be filled with deep joy?

Madame Ludna Emmanuel, lovingly called “Mamma Lu” around Kay Lasante, was hired in 2012 by the board members in Haiti to help with cleaning and other odd jobs. The Haitian board members shared then that she was a woman from the community around St. Claire’s who would be helpful and trustworthy. When I first met her, I remember thinking that she was shy, hard-working, and humble. She is 57 years old; she has a young face, a lot of energy, and a lively, engaging smile.

Over the years, I have become increasingly impressed with her, and her role at the clinic. She has a warm and capable presence; she seems to be called upon for everything. I observe her working constantly: cleaning, doing clinic laundry by hand on a scrub board, carrying large 40 lb. bottles of water down the dusty road on her head, purchasing supplies at the local stand, making sure the staff has lunch, and providing support for patients and staff alike. Recently, I jokingly referred to her as the clinic manager.

She describes her life before being with Kay Lasante as full of suffering, with many problems, and shares that she had no hope for herself or her children.

Now, though, she has hope for the future. At the clinic she does “a little bit of everything.” She is scheduled to come in at 6:30 AM to open and prepare, but she explains that she comes at 5:30 - just in case. People begin lining up at around 3:30 AM. There is a custom at Kay Lasante that patients mark their place in line with a rock. Yet, if someone tries to jump the line, or becomes impatient or argumentative, she talks with them, calms them, and helps keep the line organized.

She tells me that she urges the young mothers to have only their sickest children, those with the most urgent needs seen if they don’t already have an appointment, that way they don’t take a spot from someone else who really needs it. She is sure to bring to the attention of the triage nurse anyone who is really ill – young or old. During the day, she sees to it that the people who are waiting have water, and that each person takes only one cup to use for the day so there is no waste. She makes sure that they pick up their trash and keep the waiting area orderly. She shared that she tries to keep the clinic as clean as her own house.

Ms. Ludna recognizes that she is the oldest member of the staff. For this reason, she will often counsel the other staff members, especially if they are having a hard, busy day. She will remind them to act professional in front of the patients - even if they are angry or upset.

One reason that Ms. Ludna likes working at Kay Lasante is that now when she walks down the road she is known, and people greet her with respect and appreciation. Ms. Ludna is most proud of the fact that now she can pay for her youngest daughter to go to school. She explained that it was Fr. Jean Juste who paid for her other daughter. She hopes and prays that God will give the board members strength to continue this work. She intends to keep working as long and hard as she can. She told me how much it means to her that she was taken under our wings, and how grateful she is to be seen and treated as an equal. She thanked us for giving her a place at the table.

She shared animatedly with such passion, that because of all the good work that is being done by the board, and all those who support the clinic in Haiti, that she hopes before she dies -- or even if she dies, she prays that God will bring her back -- so that she can live long enough to visit the beautiful country where the big, important work is happening on behalf of the people who are in misery in Haiti. She experiences joy and strength despite many hardships because, “knowing that someone from another country knows your name – that is something to be proud of.”

Johanna Berrigan

Johanna & Mary Beth Appel also coordinate the House of Grace Clinic in Kensington.

Ed Note: to Donate see website .. Kay Lasante www.kaylasante.org