Last month, our neighbors in Haiti experienced a harrowing earthquake devastating the small island. We’ve all seen the vivid images come across the screen from the capital Port-au-Prince —the damage and suffering of the people and country is insurmountable. As the people of Haiti pick up the pieces, fellow PMA member Otto Bock has pitched in to help by creating a fundraising campaign, “Children in Need- Help for Haiti”, through the Otto Bock Foundation.
In cooperation with its partners, the Otto Bock Foundation is raising money to provide medical-orthopaedic care for as many seriously injured children as possible and subsequently assuring their future mobility with prostheses, orthoses and wheelchairs. Already, there have been between 2,000 and 4,000 new amputations reported.
Otto Bock is also donating a replacement lab-on wheels to the Ivan R. Sable foundation for the orthotic and prosthetic lab that was destroyed. A new lab is greatly needed as in the next coming weeks there will be an increase in the needs for materials and products as healthcare moves from critical/life-saving initiatives to long-term, sustainable solutions like fitting prosthesis. Throughout this process, Otto Bock will be providing both financial and product support.
As urethane manufacturers, it may not always be clear in which ways we can help those in need, but Otto Bock has found a unique way to combine their skills and services to make a difference. If you haven’t already, please consider taking the time to help with the relief effort. You can assist Otto Bock in its efforts by donating to their foundation. Or you can make either a financial or product donation to the AOPA through the Haitian Amputee Relief Initiative. If none of these organizations fit your company, check out some of the other ways you can help.
Otto Bock HealthCare is a Germany-based company, with offices in the U.S. and Canada, that offers products and services to help people increase and retain their physical independence.
We want to hear your stories on how as manufacturers you make a difference in your community. If you have a story, please either comment below or send it to rjennings@insidesh.com.