Haiti Birthing Center Project
Seventy-four out of one thousand infants in Haiti die due to the unsterile conditions.  Even more women die. 

After listening to information like this in a presentation by Mrs. Cathy Finch, Aquin PAWS students organized a collection campaign of items for birthing kits that will go to the new birthing center in Haiti.  The students have divided the needs list among the seventh through twelfth grade students and have asked each class to bring 2-3 items, but any donations were accepted.  Their goal was to make fifty kits.    

The collection ended on March 8 and kits were assembled on March 13.  Those interested in assisting with any part of this effort, referred to the items listed on the right.  Items were dropped off at either campus office.  Please contact connie.gogel@aquinschools.org with any questions you may have. 

Pictured above are Aquin PAWS members and Cathy Finch.

Birthing Kit Items

• 1/4" twill tape for cord ties--16" per kit.  This is sold on spools.  We probably need only 4-5 spools.
• single-edged razor blade for cord cutting.  Must be new and safely wrapped.  (Students are not to bring these.  Hopefully we will have enough monetary donations to buy 50.)
• snack-size ziploc baggie to keep the cord tie and razor blades clean
• gallon-size ziploc baggie to put everything else in
• regular size bath towels--the thinner the better because thinner dries faster.  These can be 'used'.  They can often be found at Goodwill and Salvation Army.
• wash cloth (thin).   These can be 'used'.  They can often be found at Goodwill and Salvation Army.
• 36" square piece of sheeting or muslin used to wrap and bury placentas.  These can be used bed sheets.  Any color is fine.  Stained is fine.
• bath size bar of Ivory soap
• disposable incontinent bed pads.  These can be found near 'Depends' in many stores.  We need 2 per kit (100 total).
• small size (travel or sample size) germicidal hand wash
• newborn stocking caps--not a heavy knit.  Jersey is best, can be used.  We also have a student willing to sew them if someone wants to donate the material.  Again--Salvation Army or Goodwill.
• newborn cotton blend/flannel shirts.  Can be used.  Onesies will work--we will cut the bottoms off.
• receiving blankets--light weight.  If someone wants to buy material to make them, Mrs. Finch is willing to hem them.
• plastic/latex gloves--type used in hospitals.  We need 100 total.