Hustle for Haiti 5K

UNA-FSU is proud to partner with the Tallahassee-Haiti Medical Team (THMT) to host the first annual Hustle for Haiti 5k! 

Come and join the United Nation’s Association first ever 5K, Hustle for Haiti! The UNA at FSU has partnered with the Tallahassee Haiti Medical Team and their clinic in Haiti. By participating in this race, you will be directly contributing to the THMT and the lives they impact. Whether you're walking the whole thing or plan on sprinting it all, come help us contribute to this cause. There will be music, food, and much more in store. Have some fun, show your support, and make a global impact. Register today!

Background:

The country of Haiti boasts stunning ocean views and vibrant culture, though unfortunately, it also has a very weak healthcare system. Roughly 40% of the population lacks access to basic medical care, with children suffering the brunt of the neglect. Government spending on healthcare is low and still relies heavily on international funding to sustain existing medical practices, which have been severely damaged due to recent natural disasters and poor upkeep. UNA-FSU’s Director of Special Projects, Vince Dewar, has a long-standing dedication to developmental work in Haiti. He currently sits on the executive board of Tallahassee-Haiti Medical Team (THMT), a non-profit dedicated to providing adequate healthcare to citizens of Haiti. UNA-FSU chose to partner with THMT because we felt it best embodied a major developmental goal of the United Nations, which is to provide all citizens with “good health and well-being”. 

What is The Tallahassee Haiti Medical Team:

Tallahassee Haiti Medical Team (THMT) is a local 501c3 non-profit, which has focused on providing primary healthcare to members of low-income villages for more than seven years. It is a grass-roots, volunteer-based group that works directly with partners in Haiti to send medical teams to rural towns. The teams hold week long, intensive clinics between three and six times a year based on volunteer ability, and has served upwards of 14,000 patients. The teams are composed entirely of volunteer medical professionals and students. Local residents rely on TMHT for everything from checkups to treatment for serious medical issues. THMT also offers health education courses and water purification for residents. Additionally, THMT has established an electronic medical record system which allows the clinic to keep patients records; approximately 4,000 patients have already been registered. However, due to lack of funding the clinic is only able to operate 2-3 days a week without volunteer teams, which limits the ability of the clinic to provide the best possible care.

What is UNA-FSU’s experience with THMT?

To better evaluate and understand the needs of THMT and the surrounding community of Campeche-Dumay, Haiti, Senior Executive Board Members Omar Pimentel, Brandon Mahoney, and Luciano Lebolo accompanied Vince Dewar on a self-funded trip to the island where they had the opportunity to tour the clinic and engage with local communities. The group gained a deeper understanding of how funds raised by UNA-FSU would be used while visiting the clinic. This trip shows UNA-FSU members’ personal dedication and commitment to support THMT. Our group also took this opportunity to explore the local region, including the city of Port-au-Prince and the majestic mountains in the countryside. Upon return to the States, the members of the Executive Board decided to raise money for THMT through Hustle for Haiti, a 5K run on campus at Florida State.

What will the funds raised at Hustle for Haiti do?

The funds raised through donations and registrations for the 5k will directly benefit THMT and the local clinic by supporting the purchase of medication to stock the clinic, as the medical team has exclusive access to discounted pharmaceuticals through certain providers. The acquisition of medicine is one of the building blocks of a successful clinic, as patients cannot be treated without the proper prescriptions. The funds will also go towards purchasing and maintaining medical equipment in the clinic for more comprehensive and thorough examination of patients. One of the long-term goals of THMT is to keep the clinic fully staffed every day of the week, even when teams are not in the country, so funds will be allocated for the salaries of local staff. In addition, proceeds will also assist in referring critical patients. While the clinic’s main focus is primary care, THMT refers severe cases to better equipped hospitals in the city. Proceeds from Hustle for Haiti will be used to assist in the transportation and treatment of these more critical cases.

Tallahassee Haiti Medical Team's Website: www.myhaititeam.org