Minutes of the April 17, 1997 Reunion
Approximately 70 people from New England gathered at Camp Canonicus to reunite, to share stories, to swap pictures, and to enjoy each other's company. The skies were partially overcast as the sun peaked out over the beautiful lake. The warmth inside was a nice contrast to the coolness of the early spring day. Shirts and photos were available (for a modest fee of course).
The group ate a great lasagna meal served by our hosts. We then broke into 8 groups and shared our thoughts of the person who most impacted us while we were in La Romana. We then gathered as an entire group.
Bob Beck thanked everyone for their hard work during the past year. He then asked everyone to think of what happens to these people during the time we are not there. He discussed the continuing needs of the people all year.
Last year over 17,000 people were seen by the Good Samaritan Hospital in the clinic and the bateys. Almost 9,000 of those people were seen when American teams were present. The annual hospital budget was $120,000 with revenues from operations at $90,000. The shortfall of $30,000 was covered by donations from the various churches.
The 1999 budget shows a budgeted revenue shortfall of $22,000 at this time. In 1999 from January to March the hospital already has $25,000 in revenues from operations. However from now until September there are few medical teams coming to La Romana. The revenue must come from the medical consultations of the two hired doctors and testing fees.
Moises has hired local doctors from La Romana. They usually charge 300-400 pesos per consultation in their private offices but only 100 pesos in the clinic. At this time the hospital does not charge a facility fee. Thus, there is no income for the clinic. This was discussed as a possible revenue source.
Several profit centers have been established. The ultrasound machine generates 50 pesos an exam. A tech comes two days a week . This brings in about 2,000-3,000 pesos a week. There is a real need for a certain lab machine. We were not able to get that machine so Moises was forced to finance that purchase. He has determined that the revenue from the tests will pay for the machine and allow the hospital to increase the quality of the care they deliver.
Rodney Henrikson discussed the original goals of the project. It was to build a hospital that would be self sufficient. A general discussion occurred. The group appeared to agree that we should help pay for capital expenses but not for operating expenses. There was discussion about what is the best way to care for people in the bateys and in the city. The discussion ranged from health promoters, to better medical records, to computerization, to finishing the operating rooms. The group debated the need for the amount of personnel required to run the clinic at this time. There appeared to be a consensus that decisions regarding care should be up to the local hospital administration as long as they are paying for it.
Rodney Henrikson discussed the need for greater accountability of the moneys sent. He noted that Andy Wilson's letter had raised questions among contributors that he was not able to answer. He reported that in the past year over $350,000 has gone through him to La Romana. $155,000 was hurricane relief. He had no idea how much other money had gone down. Discussion ensued regarding how best to gain the accountability that will guarantee present and future income sources, i.e. contributors and/or foundations. Talking points included the need of ownership of the local people, the need for more formal organization on both sides of the border, methods of potentially funneling all money through one source and the possibility of branching out to other needy communities; perhaps in other countries.
Other Business:
There is an EKG machine, an x-ray machine, 3 dental chairs, and an anesthesia machine available to be sent to La Romana. The cost of shipping them all is about $5,000 with the customs cost unknown. Church World Services has helped with Customs in the past. The group agreed that if someone gives equipment, they should also work to find funds to pay for the shipping costs. We also need to be sure this is someone there to help set the equipment up correctly.
The Maranatha Band has toured the states in 1996 and 1997. Bob Beck estimated that the cost for 1999 would be about $20,000. Bob and others offered to help anyone willing to coordinate the concert tour but warned that there was a large amount of work involved. Anyone interested should contact Bob .
Bob and Moises have met with a representative of the Kellogg foundation. They are presently developing a list of proposed projects for possible funding in 2000. The Kellogg foundation will fund the capital costs of projects that will be able to survive on their own in the future.
The cost of the tour may be increased next year. It has been reported that about 10% of the construction donations goes to defray the costs of housing groups coming down. If that is correct, then the group felt that each person should certainly cover their costs. It was proposed that the daily room charge go from $15.00 to 17.50. Bob and Rodney are waiting for final numbers to justify this.
Bob announced that next year this group had five weeks "penciled" in. These include three weeks between 2/12-3/4 and the last week of March and the first week of April.
The meeting then adjourned at about 3:45PM
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Fraser
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