Saint Michael’s Staff Rallies to Help Earthquake-ravaged Haiti

NEWARK, N. J. (February 16, 2010) –– The recent tragedy in Haiti hit close to home at Saint Michael’s Medical Center, where several employees suffered devastating losses — and the hospital staff rallied to raise money and awareness.

In the days following the earthquake, the hospital’s Mission Integration office took up a collection on behalf of Global Health Ministry, a medical volunteer service affiliated with Catholic Health East. For more than 20 years, Global Health Ministry has been operating health-care missions in impoverished areas throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Executive Director Sr. Mary Jo McGinley personally traveled to Port-au-Prince to assess the need for humanitarian aid, and the organization already is actively involved in relief efforts.

In Newark, pastoral care staff provided emotional and spiritual support to employees who lost love ones in the quake, or who worried about injured or homeless family members in Haiti. In the week before Valentine’s Day, the hospital staff created the Hearts for Haiti fundraiser. Employees at festively decorated tables in the lobby, Café, and cafeteria sold red, white, and pink carnations to colleagues, patients, and visitors. Proceeds raised at the event will benefit not only Global Health Ministry, but also employees directly affected by the earthquake.

Miss New Jersey 2009 Kaity Rodriguez was on-hand to assist with the carnation fundraiser and to raise awareness about the need for donor support. “I’m pleased to be back at Saint Michael’s, and to have an opportunity to contribute to this vital cause,” said Rodriguez, who visited the hospital last year to speak about the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

In the coming weeks and months, as relief efforts in Haiti continue and rebuilding begins, Saint Michael’s will continue to work with Global Health Ministry in providing resources and personnel where needed.

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