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COHI Reports on Haiti Circle of Health International announces the results of a landmark assessment of the reproductive health needs of women in Fond Parisien, Haiti. Results from the report revealed a stunning 47% of pregnant women had not gone for one or more visits for prenatal care, making them nearly 5 times less likely to be taking prenatal vitamins for their pregnancy - a critically important intervention that prevents folate and iron deficiencies, and helps ensure healthy newborns. In addition, half of all reported live births had no skilled birth attendant present. “With the results from this survey, COHI has already started to address some of the needs previously unknown to organizations working in the area,” said Leilani Johnson, M.P.H., Executive Director of COHI. Additionally, 80% of women aged 15-39 desired family planning services, with more than half of respondents desiring injectable family planning methods. This highlights the importance of ensuring access to reliable, inexpensive, and safe family planning options. 90% of women also feel that gender based violence is a serious problem in their community; however, perhaps due to social stigma, only 8% admitted to ever experiencing any act of violence, a finding congruent with a UN study on reporting of gender based violence. Reporting was highest amongst the youngest age group (15-24 year olds). “In such unstable economic conditions, women are often disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes,” said Leilani Johnson. “Compounding the effects of poverty and low social status, the disaster experienced throughout Haiti further threatened the lives of women, who were already in precarious situations, by cutting off resources and isolating them from necessary reproductive health care,” added Johnson. “It’s hard to think that all of this is happening just two hours away from Miami by plane” says Dr. Siobhan McNally, Chair of COHI’s Board of Directors and a pediatrician who volunteered with COHI after the earthquake in Haiti. Prior to COHI’s provision of two full-time midwives at the CPT clinic, Fond Parisien did not have specialized services dedicated to women’s health. This midwifery service, initiated and sponsored by COHI, is the first of its kind in the region. Given the results of the report, COHI is focusing efforts on three important fields: responding to family planning needs of both women and men, leading initiatives towards the prevention of gender based violence amongst youth, men, and women, and increasing awareness and availability of services surrounding prenatal and women’s health services. Our assessment was a success on all accounts, but we couldn’t have done it without you. The women of Fond Parisien, their communities, our partner organizations, and most importantly, COHI, appreciates your gift of time, energy, and enthusiastic support. Help COHI keep their promise and give the gift of hope to women and children around the world. Donate and find out other ways you can help at www.cohintl.org today. Visit here to download the report Global Dance Gala a Smashing Success
A Global Dance Gala was held in the Berkshires, in Massachusetts on March 5th in celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
Over $5,000 was raised for the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Circle of Health International. The Elizabeth Freeman Center offers shelter, counseling, education, advocacy, and community organizing to all people who survive domestic violence and sexual abuse in Western Massachusetts. The event was co-chaired by Dr. Siobhan McNally, COHI Board Chair and pediatrician at Neighborhood Health Center in Pittsfield, and Dr. Nina Molin, a physician with Canyon Ranch, principal of Ananda Health Center in Lenox and on staff at Volunteers in Medicine. Thanks to our sponsors Blue Q; Cain Hibbard & Myers PC; Canyon Ranch; Center for Preventive and Cosmetic Dentistry; Garnish Design; Jae's Spice; and Quality Printing. Next year's Global Gala is sure to be even more amazing! Stay Connected! COHI's NEW events calendar makes it easier than ever to stay connected and keep track of all COHI is doing around the world! This up-to-date calendar depicts the latest COHI activities from conferences and speaking engagements, to local fundraiser events and Haiti volunteer trips. Click here to view our calendar, and learn more about how COHI is working to improve the health and well being of women around the world! See you soon! Spring has Sprung! Spring is finally here! As the April showers bring in May flowers, help COHI honor mothers this Mother's Day! Instead of racking your brain to pick out the perfect Mother's Day gift, consider making a donation to COHI in her name! With all proceeds benefitting women in crisis around the world, your donation not only honors your mother but also provides life-saving maternity care to a mother-to-be in need of care. COHI is also planning to host a Mother's Day Brunch in the greater Boston area and a Mother's Day fundraiser in the Washington DC area. Be on the look out for more details!
Thanks to so many of you whom have donated to JOICP and COHI in our Japan earthquake relief efforts. COHI is still on-call, ready to help JOICP if and when they deem necessary. Your donations to support their relief efforts are most appreciated: www.joicfp.or.jp/eng/ |
