The Nashua Telegraph, Hannah LaClaire, November 8, 2017
NASHUA – For the people of Puerto Rico, the recovery stage is going to last months and years, not days and weeks said Mike Rose, CEO of Southern N.H. Health.
Much of the island was devastated by the hurricane that landed Sept. 20, including Ryder Hospital in Humancao. The roof was torn off and even the most basic medical supplies were lost. The facility is currently using generators and tents to provide medical and surgical care to its patients, according to a press release.
“Despite the hardship of dozens of staff members who lost homes and loved ones, Ryder Hospital has struggled to keep its doors open to patients who need lifesaving care,” it said.
In just a few short weeks, Rose, Melissa Martines-Adorno, a doctor with family in Puerto Rico, and Rob Dorf, chief medical officer, will travel to the island to deliver much-needed supplies and tour the facility to determine what other need may be present.
Rose, who has traveled to Puerto Rico several times on vacation, said the devastation was “heart wrenching,” and according to the release, felt a “corporate responsibility.”
This is not the first time that SNHH has reached out after a disaster – the hospital sent a team down to New Orleans to help out after Hurricane Katrina, and then to Houston after Hurricane Harvey just a few months ago.
“We saw a need and felt we were able to respond in a valuable way,” Rose said.
Before they leave, SNHH is trying to raise additional funds, and will match all donations up to $25,000 with 100 percent going directly to Ryder Hospital.
There is no hard and fast deadline to donate, but according to Rose, the needs are obviously time sensitive.
“As the memories of press coverage fade from our minds, the challenges for the people living there are still going on,” Rose said.
Those interested in donating can visit www.snhhealth.org/pr.
Hannah LaClaire can be reached at 594-1243 or hlaclaire@nashuatelegraph.com