Community Health Services Programs
As the only reliable medical provider for 225,000 people, Hôpital Sacré Coeur places tremendous emphasis on public health education and preventative care. In 2008, the Community Health Department experienced unprecedented growth with a 45% increase in patient visits. By giving individuals and families knowledge and skills, we empower and encourage them to take control of their lives for a healthier future.

Nutrition Center
If they show signs of malnourishment, children visiting the hospital as outpatients are referred by a medical professional to the Nutrition Center program. Located on the north campus across the street from the hospital, the Nutrition Center cares for an average of 23 infants and toddlers each day.  

On Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 1:30pm, each child receives two balanced meals, nutritional snacks and vitamin supplements. On Fridays, the children are sent home with a small provision for Saturday and Sunday. Organized games, physical exercise, singing, dancing and storytelling promote healthy stimulation and relationships. Children are also toilet trained and coached in proper hygiene. Progress is tracked closely and regularly to prevent any recidivism. Mothers or guardians take part in monthly health education programs geared toward proper health maintenance and preventative care.

Over the past three years, more and more children referred to the program, live outside the village of Milot and are unable to make daily trips to the center. Each month, approximately 52 children receive weekly dry rations. Hurricanes in the fall of 2008 caused a temporary expansion of this service to over 85 children.

Mobile Clinic
Rough terrain and a severe lack of transportation makes it often impossible for many in the region to visit Hôpital Sacré Coeur and receive the care they desperately need. In October 2003, the hospital launched a Mobile Clinic operation in response to this challenge.  Two teams of medical professionals travel throughout the countryside and bring preventative care and treatment to confined and isolated persons. One mobile clinic team consists of a nurse mid-wife and public health nurse that provide pre-natal care and HIV testing and counseling. The other team includes a nurse practitioner, family practice resident and health promoter that provide primary care services. The Mobile Clinic teams cover eight sites on a regular schedule for 5-6 hours per day and make approximately 100-200 patient visits per week. In 2008, there were 1,190 Mobile Clinic patient visits!

HIV/AIDS Prevention
A program to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child, as well as provide voluntary counseling and testing programs, began in September 2005 in conjunction with the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB). In August 2005, Hôpital Sacré Coeur began participating in the anti-viral treatment program called the AIDS Relief Project to treat entire families affected by HIV/AIDS. Under this grant program (currently funded by Catholic Relief Services and the CMMB), Hôpital Sacré Coeur's is serving hundreds of individuals. CRS and CMMB funding for this program will end in 2009.

Blood Bank
In the spring of 2005, Hôpital Sacré Coeur began operating a much needed regional blood bank. Patients from the region as well as area dispensaries and a smaller area hospital make regular use of this facility. The Red Cross provides the hospital with the necessary equipment, supplies, staff training, and funds required to pay the salary of one technician.

Filariasis Project
The Filariasis Project addresses the prevention and treatment of the secondary effects of the microfilaria parasite, which causes the disease more commonly known as elephantitis. Filariasis has been found in 20% of the student population living in the region. Hôpital Sacré Coeur is the referral center for this program, treating 1,100 people per year.

Immunization and Vaccination
The hospital conducts an immunization and vaccination program (infant, early childhood, and adult) plus health education programs for outpatients suffering from specific medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).

Family Life Center
Hôpital Sacré Coeur places tremendous emphasis on public health education and preventative care, particularly with youth. Community Health staff gives lectures in the eight secondary schools in the region. To date there have been 22 presentations on pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and sexual behavior. A new Family Life Center offering innovative and effective Natural Family Planning grew beyond our wildest dreams in its first year and demand for its services continues at an exponential rate.