Konbit Sante Makes the Case for USAID Funding

Pictured here: Perry’s interview with Rob Caldwell on WCSH’s “207” program. Watch Now

Dear Friends,

Since our last newsletter discussing the impact of severe cuts to USAID on Konbit Sante’s work at Fort Saint Michel, there are some signs that we may receive payment for our work to date, but few prospects for future funding. Here’s what we have been doing to make our case.

We immediately contacted USAID in Washington, as well as the prime contractor with whom we work in Haiti, to seek a waiver from the stop-work order. We’ve been in touch with Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, to ask for her assistance. We’ve been in touch with Senator King’s office, as well.

We’ve spoken with the media to underscore the impact of the USAID decision. The impact of the USAID cut is the subject of a recent article in the Portland Press Herald. You can watch or read a brief interview on WCSH, the local NBC affiliate, or you can watch an extended interview with Perry Newman on WCSH’s “207” program. On February 16, Tezita Negussie, Konbit Sante’s Country Manager, was quoted in this Washington Post article.

Finally, we’re conferring with partners in Haiti and elsewhere to explore ways to restore, at least on a partial basis, the services we have provided for women and children at Fort Saint Michel for nearly twenty years. There are some promising signs, but nothing firm at this point.

What can you do to help? Here are three things:

First, contact your elected representatives to make the case. Here’s a great site that puts you in touch with your delegation and provides you with everything you’ll need, including a script.

Second, share any of the links in this message, such as the extended interview, with friends and contacts to spread the word.

Third, consider a donation to Konbit Sante. While the full cost of the program at Fort Saint Michel is substantial, every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to restoring this vital program.

A gift of $300 will pay the salary of a nurse for a month. A gift of $250 will pay the monthly salary of a community health worker (agent santé). Little by little, we are working to rebuild capacity.

Finally, if you’d like to discuss any aspect of this project or explore other ways you can help, please feel free to get in touch. I’d be happy to speak with you, your friends, families, and communities as we continue to make the case for the people of Haiti, especially this important program.

We don’t know what the future holds, but we have no intention of standing idly by.

Thank you, as always, for your support,

Perry Newman
Executive Director