Containers to Clinics opens pilot health facility in Haiti

Containers to Clinics (C2C), a nonprofit initiative that seeks to build health care infrastructures in developing countries through networks of converted shipping container clinics, today announced the opening of its pilot health facility at Grace Children's Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The clinic's services will include health screenings, vaccinations, pre-and post-natal care, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, post-partum and newborn care, infectious disease testing and treatment, nutrition counseling and health education classes.

“Since the earthquake, we've been treating more than 400 outpatients daily in conditions that some would deem unfeasible”

Following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, 80% of Grace Children's Hospital was destroyed and patients have since been receiving care under weathered tents on the hospital grounds. C2C's clinic will offer a dignified, secure and clean space for patients to be tested and treated for their primary care needs. The clinic will provide high-quality, sustainable and well-resourced primary healthcare to women and children while the hospital is being rebuilt; a process that could take several years.

"Since the earthquake, we've been treating more than 400 outpatients daily in conditions that some would deem unfeasible," said Dr. Rudolph Magloire, Executive Director of ICC/Haiti. "The tents are tattered, collecting mold and provide both the patients and clinicians with no adequate shield from sun and heat. ICC, with support from its partners in USA, Canada and World Vision/Canada began the construction of temporary shelters to lodge its activities and C2C clinics provided settings to improve the process. With these temporary shelters, including C2C clinics, the morale of the staff is certain to improve and patients can finally see a sign of recovery in an area that so desperately needs it."

Built entirely out of recycled shipping containers by Stack Design Build, the clinic consists of two 8' x 20' containers modified into a two-exam room, pharmacy and laboratory facility. Its "L" formation was chosen to create an inclusive outdoor space, useful as a waiting area and for health education classes. Ceramic paint and a layer of insulation protect both containers, minimizing the solar gain and overall temperature in the interior space. It is also equipped with an inverter which stores energy when the electric grid or generator is functional and dispenses a back-up electric supply when those primary power options are unavailable.

"To witness this concept of a portable health clinic come to life and begin operating in a location where conditions have been so dire, particularly for women and children -- it's truly remarkable," said Elizabeth Sheehan, founder and president of C2C. "Our clinic was designed to allow for replication across regions and with the pilot model fully functioning and treating patients in Haiti, we know this is undeniably possible."

C2C's partner AmeriCares will deliver medicine and medical supplies to support both the clinic pharmacy and help restock the hospital's main inventory. Management Sciences for Health (MSH) will oversee monthly data collection and evaluation. The clinic will be staffed by Grace Children's Hospital doctors and nurses, along with a C2C project coordinator ensuring proper functioning of operations.