Mankato Clinic Physician to Participate in Haiti Relief Effort

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For more information on this media advisory contact Katie Nerem Roth, Public Relations Director, at 389-8770 or 327-8112.

Through an effort sponsored by the Navy, Mankato Clinic pediatrician, Peter Nolan, M.D., will be taking part in a humanitarian effort to help the people of Haiti. Nolan will be one of 19 health care professionals who will see patients in Gonaives, Haiti, over two weeks. With the help of translators, Nolan expects they will see approximately 500 Haitians per day. ìThe need is great,î says Nolan, ìThis is a country with no economy, no jobs, and no medical care.î Shortly before the Asian tsunamis, devastating hurricanes hit Haiti, with the largest destruction in Gonaives. Tropical Storm Jeanne, which hit on Sept. 18, 2004, left more than 1,790 dead and some 884 missing in Gonaives, many of whom are presumed dead. About 200,000 of Gonaiveís 250,000 residents were left homeless.

The Navy also has a construction unit in Gonaives to build three schools and water wells. Over the last several days Mankato Clinic employees, in addition to community members, have rallied to support Nolanís trip by collecting school supplies for him to take along. Nolan figures he will take with him about 136 pounds of supplies that were contributed. Nolan has been in the United States Navy for 35 years. For more about the Navyís effort, go to: http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=17074

Because Dr. Nolan is leaving for Haiti early tomorrow morning, media who are interested in talking with him about his trip should contact him today.

For more on Gonaiveís devastation, go to:

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/shownh.asp3?img_id=12460

http://www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd/ap04hurricanes5.html

http://www.spaceimaging.com/gallery/hurricane2004/default.htm

http://www.brighthope.org/news/haiti1104.asp

Katie Nerem Roth
Public Relations Director
Mankato Clinic
(507) 389-8770