In the 2 years since the inception of H.E.L.P, several necessary projects have been completed including;
2006
Had our first fundraiser ("Village of HeARTS") organized by local businesswoman Jasmine Marijanovic, with huge support from Fort Langley's artist community - raising approximately $5,000
Dug a brand new well (all wells on western half of island contaminated by the tsunami - contaminated water is the number one reason why so many diseases spread after natural disasters)
Added ozone and UV water filtration system
Built 2 new washrooms & showers
Took down 2 physician travel packs full of medicines (Health Partners International)
Treated several hundred patients
2007
Hosted our second annual "Village of HeARTS" fundraiser, organized by locals Deb Cameron and Christine Potter. This fundraiser raised an incredible $30,000 through the generous support of Langley residents
Renovated & furnished the 2 residences - one for Thai employees and one for HELP volunteers called HELP HOUSE ("see volunteering")
Shipped many medical supplies, food and clothing in a jammed 40-foot container in partnership with New Beginnings International
Sent down 2 more physician travel packs (Health Partners International)
Organized medical supplies & pharmacy with over 30 volunteers
Distributed clothes for hundreds of locals
Donated food to 2 schools for hot lunch program, enough for 1 year program
Provided a job for a Thai resident (only H.E.L.P. salary at $400 per month) who organizes and provides transport and translation services for volunteers
Met with the Deputy Chief of Phangnga Provincial Health Office (Dr. Sak Thaenchakul) as well as all the regional health officers (18 of them)
Built the foundations for a strong relationship with the Provincial Public Health Officials
Saw and treated many more patients
Paid for and organized our first dental team trip including a dentist, 2 hygienists and 2 assistants to initiate our dental clinic - they treated many locals. Organized the Chief of Dentistry (Dr. Maythinee Petju, DDS) to oversee their trip
2008
Met with Dr. Jeetsada Chaikunrhut, MD (Chief of Phangnga Provincial Public Health Office) who has officially accepted the following objectives for The HELP Foundation;
Short-term trips made by our physician and dental volunteers (under 3 months)
Will assist HELP Foundation with the Bangkok Ministry of Public Health, who must accept a physician working full-time for a one year period (anything over 3 months).
Ordering medicines through the Provinical Public Health Office
Met with Chief of Staff (Dr. Porn Pongpanitanont) at largest regional hospital in Takua Pa (1.5 hours from our clinic) who has agreed to have our volunteers order lab tests and will report results directly to our clinic same day
Have submitted a formal Project Proposal to the Bangkok Central Ministry of Public Health Offices outlining our major Objectives and "Planned Activities"
Have signed another contract with Mr. Pramote Kongmeesuk for another year of transportation and translation services ($400/month)
Have many health care providers eager to volunteer
Donated an Automatic Electronic Defribrillator (AED) donated by Dr. Allan Holmes and his Global Medical Services to our clinic, and trained the 2 local health officers on its use and maintenance
Saw and treated many more patients (the patient files are building!!)
Drs. Gurdev and Karen Parmar along with several other incredible volunteers returned to Kho Khao at the end of December 2006 and into January 2007 for a month period. The goals for this trip were numerous including; completion of construction of clinic grounds, unloading and organizing the equipment from the container, organizing and dispensing any medical supplies received, treatment of new patients, follow-up with patients (approx.150) and educating the local health officers. Special mention must go to the incredible generosity and hard work of the Silverman and Kazakoff families in which parents, kids and grandchildren made the long trek to Thailand and they put their hearts into it!
