Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships
Mercy ships logo.svg
Founder(s) Founder Donald Stephens
Co-Founder Deyon Stephens
Founded 1978
Location Garden Valley, Texas
Key people Myron E. Ullman III Chairman
Donald Stephens, President
Area served West Africa and developing nations
Focus Surgery, Healthcare, Development
Mission To provide free healthcare and increase healthcare delivery systems in the poorest nations
Motto Bringing Hope and Healing
Website www.mercyships.org

Mercy Ships is an international charity that was founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens. Mercy Ships currently operates the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world,[1] providing free health care, community development projects, community health education, mental health programs, agriculture projects, and palliative care for terminally ill patients.

Mercy Ships has operated in more than 70 developing nations around the world,[2] with a current focus on the countries of West Africa.[3]

The organization has its International Operations Center (IOC) in Garden Valley, Texas. Mercy Ships also has 17 national resource offices in countries that include Spain, Britain, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Australia.

A major inspiration for Mercy Ships founder and President Don Stephens was the work of the international hospital ship SS Hope. Stephens' research showed that 95 of the 100 largest cities in the world were port cities. Therefore, a hospital ship could deliver healthcare very efficiently to large numbers of people. The birth of Stephens' profoundly disabled son, John Paul, also inspired him to move forward with his vision of a floating hospital. A visit with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India, further deepened his commitment to serving the world's neediest people.[4]

Contents

Past Mercy Ships

The MV Anastasis, retired in 2007

Mercy Ships, which is a Christian humanitarian organization, has outfitted and operated a total of four hospital ships to serve developing nations since 1978. Mercy Ships uses retired ocean liners and ferries that have been transformed into floating hospitals.[5]

The first ocean liner acquired was the Victoria, which was purchased for its scrap value of US$1 million. The nine-deck vessel was transformed into the hospital ship MV Anastasis over a four-year period. The 522-foot ship was equipped with three operating rooms, a dental clinic, an x-ray machine, a laboratory[6] and 40 patient beds. The ship's 350-member crew included Mercy Ships founders Don and Deyon Stephens, who lived on board the ship with their four young children for ten years.[7]

In 1983, the Anastasis (the Greek word for "resurrection") began operations in the South Pacific, then moved to Central America and the Caribbean Sea in the mid-80’s. The ship moved on to Africa in 1991[8] and remained in service there until 2007, when it was replaced by the new Africa Mercy. The final port of call for the Anastasis was Monrovia, Liberia. In May 2007, the Africa Mercy sailed into the port in Monrovia to meet up with the Anastasis, enabling crew, equipment and supplies to be transferred from the oldest Mercy Ship to the newest one.

Mercy Ships purchased the Norwegian coastal ferry Polarlys in 1994 and transformed it into the MV Caribbean Mercy, a hospital ship serving Central American and Caribbean ports. The ship offered berths for 150 crew and was equipped initially for field medical clinics. Over the course of several years, the ship was equipped with modern eye-surgery capabilities. The first eye surgery was performed on board The Caribbean Mercy in early 1997, while the ship was docked in Guatemala. On land, volunteers from the Caribbean Mercy also provided dental, orthopedic and healthcare services. The Caribbean Mercy visited 138 ports of call[9] and remained in service until May 2005.[10]

MV Island Mercy, retired in 2001

In 1983, the Canadian ferry Petite Forte was donated to Mercy Ships to provide relief operations in the Caribbean. Initially christened the Good Samaritan,[11] the ship was re-christened the MV Island Mercy in 1994. The 60-berth vessel remained in service until spring of 2001. The countries it served included Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Guyana and Haiti. The ship also reached beyond the Caribbean with relief and medical operations in Guinea-Bissau, Western Samoa, the Tokelau Islands and New Zealand.[12]

The Africa Mercy

The Africa Mercy, in service from 2007 to the present.

Mercy Ships currently has one vessel in service: the 16,500-ton flagship Africa Mercy,[13] which measures almost 500 feet long.[14] The Africa Mercy has greater capacity than all three previous Mercy Ships combined.[15]

The Africa Mercy is serving in Freetown, Sierra Leone for its 2011 field service,[16] which is scheduled to last for 10 months.[17] At the conclusion of each field service, the Africa Mercy goes into dry dock, where it is resupplied and receives any needed repairs or upgrades before heading to its next port of call.[18] The Africa Mercy is scheduled to dock in Guinea during 2012.[19]

Early in 2010, the ship was docked in Lomé, Togo for the 2010 field service. In August 2010, the Africa Mercy went into shipyard in South Africa, where it was equipped with new, more efficient generators. In 2009, the ship was docked in Cotonou, Benin from February to December, providing free surgeries and medical care. Mercy Ships also worked with Beninese citizens on agriculture and water development projects on the ground in Benin. In 2007, the ship made its official maiden voyage to Monrovia, Liberia, from the shipyard in England.[20] In 2008, the Africa Mercy continued its service to Liberia--offering free surgeries, assistance in healthcare infrastructure development, and community-based preventive health care programs that benefited thousands of individuals and many communities. More than 1,200 surgical procedures and 10,000 dental procedures were completed, along with community health projects such as HIV/AIDS prevention and construction of wells and latrines.

Before the Africa Mercy arrives in port, flyers are distributed to alert the public to the ship's upcoming visit. An advance team begins a massive screening of thousands of prospective patients, to see which men, women and children qualify for a surgery. It is common for people to walk for days (and even from neighboring countries) to find out whether they may be eligible for surgical treatment.[21]

Medical Capabilities

Medical personnel on the Africa Mercy provide surgeries and health care to treat a wide range of problems, including cleft lip and palate, cataract, crossed eyes (Strabismus), bowed legs (genu varum), burns and burn scars, childbirth injuries and dental problems.[22] Many of these ailments are extremely severe because patients have had little prior access to medical care.[23] People with disfiguring medical conditions have often been shunned by their communities, so medical treatment from Mercy Ships can also help relieve the stigma and isolation that they have experienced.[24]

The lower decks of the Africa Mercy are equipped with six operating theaters, a 78-bed recovery ward, two CT scanners, an X-ray machine and a laboratory. During its field service in Sierra Leone between February and June 2011, the Africa Mercy crew performed more than 750 surgeries and 12,000 dental procedures. They also trained more than 500 people in mental health, agriculture and church leadership.[25] In addition, Mercy Ships infrastructure initiatives included construction projects and working to improve sanitation and hygiene.[26]

On the upper decks of the Africa Mercy,[27] the ship has 126 cabins that provide accommodations for 484 crew, including families, couples and individuals. The ship is equipped with a day care center, a school for all grades through senior year of high school, a library, a launderette, a small supermarket, a restaurant, a gymnasium, shops and a donated Starbucks cafe. A fleet of 28 vehicles travels with the ship, for use in Mercy Ships land-based operations.[28]

Volunteers

The volunteer crew of the Africa Mercy is made up of 450 volunteers at a time who hail from more than 40 nations.[29] The total number of volunteers in all locations for the organization is about 1,200. About 200 Africans serve as day workers on the ship.[30] In addition to the medical volunteers on the Africa Mercy, Mercy Ships also sends medical crews to aid at natural disaster sites such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.[31]

Mercy Ships offers short-term (two weeks to two years) and long-term (minimum two years) volunteer arrangements.[32] Mercy Ships needs volunteers for both medical and non-medical jobs. Due to the nature of the ship, positions for surgeons, dentists, and nurses are often readily available, but jobs such as seamen, teachers, cooks, engineers and agriculturalists are also available.[33] Volunteer crew often serve as blood donors, since there is a high demand for donated blood due to limited space to maintain a blood bank on board.[34]

Sierra Leone

Mercy Ships vessels have visited Sierra Leone five times, beginning in 1992. Mercy Ships has tailored its work in Sierra Leone to support the country's National Health Sector Strategic Plan, which aims to strengthen the national health system.[35]

The organization's partner in Sierra Leone is the Aberdeen Women's Centre, formerly the Aberdeen West Africa Fistula Center. The Aberdeen Women's Centre is one of the few locations on the African continent offering obstetric fistula repair for women who have been injured during childbirth.[36] Started by Mercy Ships with the Ministry of Health, Addax Foundation and other partners, the Fistula Centre is now operated by the Gloag Foundation (UK).

Mercy Ships Statistics

Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide. The organization treats all patients without cost, and without regard to their religion, race or gender.[37]

Mercy Ships vessels have completed over 563 port visits in 53 developing nations and 17 developed nations. Its volunteers have performed services valued at more than $834 million, impacting about 2.9 million people. Mercy Ships volunteers have performed more than 56,000 free operations, such as cleft lip and palate, cataract removal, straightening of crossed eyes, and orthopedic and facial reconstruction.

The organization is active on land, as well as on board the ship. Volunteers have treated over 520,000 patients in mobile medical and dental clinics set up in the communities near ports where the hospital ship has docked. They have also have trained local medical professionals in modern healthcare techniques. Volunteers have educated about 29,000 local healthcare workers, who have in turn trained multiple thousands in primary healthcare. As of spring 2011, they have completed nearly 1,100 community development projects focusing on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture.[38]

Originally a part of the YWAM (Youth with a Mission) family of Christian ministries, Mercy Ships is now a standalone organization.[39] Mercy Ships is a Better Business Bureau accredited charity.[40] The organization has built a broad base of financial support, beginning with donations from the public and from crew members. Medical companies donate pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies to Mercy Ships. Corporations also make in-kind donations of materials such as fuel, food and building supplies. In addition, governments that work with Mercy Ships also waive port fees and associated costs for the ship to dock.[41]

References

  1. ^ "AFRICA MERCY sails from UK to Africa". Article. Shipping Times. 4 May 2007. http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item539_africamercy.htm. Retrieved 23 September 2011. 
  2. ^ Hess, Angie (March - April 2006). "Haven of Mercy". Article (Spirit of SN). 
  3. ^ Bufe, Claire (May 2011). "Save Lives on the High Seas". Article (Material Handling & Logistics). 
  4. ^ Robert R. Selle, "Angel of Mercy," Article, The World & I, 2003, accessed 18 September 2011.
  5. ^ Holmes, Angie (18 June 2011). "Marion nurse volunteers on floating hospital in West Africa". Article. Eastern Iowa Life. http://easterniowalife.com/2011/06/18/159150/. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
  6. ^ Robert R. Selle, "Angel of Mercy," The World & I, 2003, accessed 18 September 2011.
  7. ^ Pukas, Anna (07 May 2009). "Miracle of the Mercy Ships". Article. UK News. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/99496. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  8. ^ Fadeley, Jon (18 June 2002). "Transformations: How a Coastal Ferry Became a Mercy Ship". Article. MarineLink.com. http://www.marinelink.com/news/article/transformations-how-a-coastal-ferry-became-a/318164.aspx. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  9. ^ "Mercy Ships Launching the Africa Mercy". article. 21 March 2006. http://www.ywam.org/News-Stories/sources/news/mercy_ships_launching_the_africa_mercy. Retrieved 25 September 2011. 
  10. ^ Fadeley, Jon (18 June 2002). "Transformations: How a Coastal Ferry Became a Mercy Ship". Article. MarineLink.com. http://www.marinelink.com/news/article/transformations-how-a-coastal-ferry-became-a/318164.aspx. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  11. ^ Fadeley, Jon (18 June 2002). "Transformations: How a Coastal Ferry Became a Mercy Ship". Article. MarineLink.com. http://www.marinelink.com/news/article/transformations-how-a-coastal-ferry-became-a/318164.aspx. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  12. ^ Dake, Shawn. "Mercy Ships: First 25 Years". Article (Mercy Ships). 
  13. ^ Holmes, Angie (18 June 2011). "Marion nurse volunteers on floating hospital in West Africa". Article. Eastern Iowa Life. http://easterniowalife.com/2011/06/18/159150/. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
  14. ^ Bufe, Claire (May 2011). "Save Lives on the High Seas". Article (Material Handling & Logistics). 
  15. ^ "Mercy Ships Launching the Africa Mercy," article, 21 March 2006, http://www.ywam.org/News-Stories/sources/news/mercy_ships_launching_the_africa_mercy, accessed 14 September 2011
  16. ^ "Sierra Leone: Nation Honors Mercy Ships Founder". Article. Concord Times (Freetown). 30 May 2011. http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/201105311104.html. Retrieved 30 August 2011. 
  17. ^ "Africa Mercy Welcomes Sierra Leone President, Vice President and Minister of Health". Article (International Daily). 2 June 2011. 
  18. ^ "Crew Members Ralph and Kay Crew". Article (The Pioneer). 2 June 2011. 
  19. ^ "Hope Floats". Article (Ability): 26–29. 
  20. ^ "AFRICA MERCY sails from UK to Africa". Article. Shipping Times. 4 May 2007. http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item539_africamercy.htm. Retrieved 23 September 2011. 
  21. ^ Hess, Angie (March - April 2006). "Haven of Mercy". Article (Spirit of SN). 
  22. ^ Nugent, Mary (18 July 2011). "Chico couple volunteers on floating hospital in Africa". Article. ChicoER.com. 
  23. ^ Holmes, Angie (18 June 2011). "Marion nurse volunteers on floating hospital in West Africa". Article. Eastern Iowa Life. http://easterniowalife.com/2011/06/18/159150/. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
  24. ^ Friedel, Linda (14 June 2011). "Nurse serves in Sierra Leone". Article. Kccommunitynews.com. http://www.kccommunitynews.com/print/28232423/detail.html. Retrieved 2 September. 
  25. ^ "Africa Mercy Welcomes Sierra Leone President, Vice President and Minister of Health". Article (International Daily). 2 June 2011. 
  26. ^ Means, Greg (6 June 2011). "Taking her writing skills to the mission field". Article. White Lake Beacon. http://www.whitelakebeacon.com/print.php?story_id=24531. Retrieved 2 September 2011. 
  27. ^ Susan Stewart, "Jennifer Brodie and Brian Anderson...serving the world's poor one volunteer at a time," article, JournalPLUS, June 2011, accessed 06 September 2011.
  28. ^ Dan McDougall, "Hands Across The Ocean," The Sunday Times (U.K.), accessed 05 September 2011.
  29. ^ "Africa Mercy Welcomes Sierra Leone President, Vice President and Minister of Health". Article (International Daily). 2 June 2011. 
  30. ^ Nugent, Mary (18 July 2011). "Chico couple volunteers on floating hospital in Africa". Article. ChicoER.com. 
  31. ^ Ferguson, Mike (26 May 2011). "Great job, Larry: Muscatine nurse picked as one of the 100 great nurses in Iowa". Article. Muscatine Journal. http://muscatinejournal.com/news/local/article_4cf151de-8809-11e0-8113-001cc4c03286.html. Retrieved 2 September 2011. 
  32. ^ Mullendore, Jessica (23 June 2011). "Southside nurse shares skills with Sierra Leone aboard Mercy Ship". Article. The Florida Times Union. http://jacksonville.com/community/southside/2011-06-23/story/southside-nurse-shares-skills-sierra-leone-aboard-mercy-ship. Retrieved 2 September 2011. 
  33. ^ Mullendore, Jessica (23 June 2011). "Southside nurse shares skills with Sierra Leone aboard Mercy Ship". Article. The Florida Times Union. http://jacksonville.com/community/southside/2011-06-23/story/southside-nurse-shares-skills-sierra-leone-aboard-mercy-ship. Retrieved 2 September. 
  34. ^ Shank, Amy (14 June 2011). "Mercy Ships celebrates World Blood Donor Day". Article. Christian Today. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/mercy.ships.celebrates.world.blood.donor.day/28154.htm. Retrieved 30 August 2011. 
  35. ^ "Africa Mercy Welcomes Sierra Leone President, Vice President and Minister of Health". Article (International Daily). 2 June 2011. 
  36. ^ "Sierra Leone". EngenderHealth. http://www.fistulacare.org/pages/sites/sierra-leone.php. Retrieved 30 August 2011. 
  37. ^ ""Mercy Ships"". webpage. charitynavigator.com. http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4080. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  38. ^ Nugent, Mary (18 July 2011). "Chico couple volunteers on floating hospital in Africa". Article. ChicoER.com. 
  39. ^ Daniel Smith, "Littleton doctor serves with Mercy Ships, aids African poor," yourhub.com, 05 May 2011, http://yourhub.denverpost.com/southmetro/littleton-doctor-serves-mercy-ships-aids-african-poor/N2umwfB855evbkgyITVXNL-ugc, accessed 13 September 2011.
  40. ^ "Start with Trust," webpage, Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/name/mercy+ships/, accessed 13 September 2011
  41. ^ Robert R. Selle, "Angel of Mercy," The World & I, 2003, accessed 18 September 2011.

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