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TriMedx Returns to Milot, Haiti

TriMedx Associate Garners Unique Perspective from CRUDEM Experience

Indianapolis, IN (August 17, 2001)- The CRUDEM missionary hospital is located in Milot, Haiti, approximately 12 miles south of Cap-Haitien, the second largest city in Haiti. CRUDEM (Center for the Rural Development of Milot) was established 15 years ago by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to help improve health conditions in the city. With a glorious history as the capital of Haiti during the nineteenth century - complete with a fortress and palace - Milot is now in ruins. Efforts were made to restore the fortress, called the Citadel, but the city and its people remain impoverished.

In our continuing effort to serve those who serve the needy, TriMedx sent an associate to Haiti to help deliver and install an ultrasound machine, donated by Ambassador Medical, that would be used by CRUDEM hospital.

On July 17, 2001, Sister Martha Barlai-Kovach, D.C of the CRUDEM missionary hospital, greeted TriMedx associate, Terry Collins, Radiology Engineer at Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola, Florida, at the Cap-Haitien airport. Their mission was to pick up the ultrasound machine in Cap-Haitien and deliver it to the hospital in working order. This was no small feat as road conditions to the hospital were well below the standards we are accustomed to in the U.S. The 12-mile trip took one and a half hours to complete. Collins, who described the road conditions as "unfit for travel," credits the excellent way the machine was packed for keeping it intact.

Once they arrived in Milot, Collins unloaded the machine and installed it in the hospital where it functioned with no problems. He then trained Dr. Harold Privil on how to operate the machine and provided him with the technical manual, which Dr. Privil studied that evening. Collins stated, "Dr. Privil came back the next day ready to go."

Collins also provided maintenance on other electronic equipment but noted that the previous work of two other TriMedx associates who were there in April, Ron Tocco, Director of National Contracts, and Mike Hoyt, Team Lead at St. Vincent, Indianapolis, made this job easy - only a few pieces of equipment needed maintenance.

Collins's experience in Milot made him more appreciative of what we have in the U.S. He summarized his experience in Milot by saying, "[It] has left me with a much better outlook on the everyday life and not to take things for granted...I would jump at the chance to go back and help the CRUDEM project and the people of Haiti."

TriMedx is proud to have been a part of the Haitian mission opportunity. We value the personal experience and rewards the mission trips have afforded our company and associates.