(New York, NY) - Next week, 20 health care professionals will travel to Haiti to provide skills to sick and injured Haitians who are still suffering the awful effects of a devastating January earthquake. The New York Professional Nurses Union (NYPNU) is supporting the group's efforts by purchasing round trip airfare for its members. The team of health care professionals from Lenox Hill Hospital and North Shore Hospital include nurses, a respiratory therapist, and two vascular surgeons who are all using their personal vacation time and leave to assist Haiti in its recovery.

"NYPNU is extremely proud of our members who are dedicating their time and skills to help the people of Haiti," says NYPNU President Maureen McCarthy. "NYPNU is a union of men and women dedicated to their profession and the health and well being of others. We are happy to support our members in this endeavor to help those who need health care professionals the most."

NYPNU has a long tradition of supporting members who extend themselves for worthy causes, such as collecting donations for cancer research. In addition to supporting the volunteer effort, NYPNU delegate, Adele Adams, submitted a proposal to the Executive Board, which was unanimously accepted by both the Board and Delegate Assembly, to forego the union’s annual Nurse Appreciation celebration in order to make the funds available for donations to the Haitian relief effort. NYPNU will be donating to the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.

From March 26 through April 2, the 20 health care professionals will travel with the Haitian-American Cares Inc. to Petit-Goave, Haiti, which is near Port-Au-Prince. Haitian-American Cares Inc. has been aiding the sick and impoverished in Haiti for three years, establishing food banks, milk programs, and clinics. Nurses and other health care professionals are needed in the country that still has massive need everywhere, according to the American Red Cross. The nurses will be working in clinics to take care of those suffering from infections and amputations, typhoid fever, children who are malnourished, and some mental health issues.

NYPNU member nurse Mary Judge was instrumental in organizing the contingent from Lenox Hill Hospital, and she noted that there is a strong bond with the New York-area Haitian community. "Nurses always feel compelled to help when we see people suffering," says Judge. "We pulled together, swapped our schedules and worked with each other to cover our shifts, in order to do the most we can for Haiti. It's going to be hard work, but we are ready for it." Nurses have prepared themselves with immunizations and vaccines and have been advised to take anti-malarial medications.

The group of nurses and other health care professionals traveling to Haiti have also been raising funds to bring much-needed medical supplies to Haiti. Lenox Hill Hospital has donated medical supplies, and local students have donated crutches and wheelchairs for amputees. The group members may bring tents and camping equipment, because earthquake aftershocks have made sleeping in buildings uncomfortable. Their tents will be donated to Haitian families in need. There is still a great need for tents and temporary shelter as the country rebuilds.