Helping in Haiti is a Michigan dental familys legacy

Howell, Mich.鈥擣or two agonizing days following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti Jan. 12, Dr. Alfred Stines and his daughter Dr. Michelle Stines waited for word that loved ones and staff members at their dental and medical clinics were safe.

“The clinics are damaged, but still standing,” said Dr. Michelle, “but most important, our cousins, our employees and my husband are safe. We were really on pins and needles for awhile.”

Her husband, Gregory Chevallier, a Haitian entrepreneur, had traveled to Haiti Jan. 12, arriving just before the earthquake. Dr. Michelle turned to Twitter, e-mail and spotty phone service for word that he and other relatives, friends and acquaintances were OK.

“great news today … greg called he is safe … desperatly (sic) trying to get water distributed,” said her Twitter post dated 6:55 p.m. Jan. 14.

Through the George Stines Foundation, named in honor of Dr. Alfred’s father and Dr. Michelle’s grandfather, the family’s clinics have served Haitian citizens鈥攎any who live in remote areas without access to care鈥攆or a decade.

The clinics are located in Petionville, on the grounds of George Stines’ family home, and in Bassin-bleu (near heavily damaged Jacmel). The Petionville compound not only houses a fully equipped dental and medical clinic, but also includes the family’s homestead and housing for volunteers.

Dr. Alfred, who was born in Haiti and emigrated to the U.S. at age 22, said the foundation and clinics also represent his gratitude for a good upbringing and a good education in Haiti that allowed him to pursue a career in dentistry. After coming to the U.S., he completed a residency in maxillofacial prosthodontics at the Mayo Clinic, served as a professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and 42 years as a private practice dentist.

“I can think of no better way to use my resources,” said Dr. Alfred. “Haiti was good to me. I had wonderful teachers. When I came to the states I felt prepared. My father also asked me to do it, so I am following his request.”

One of 15 siblings, Dr. Alfred said he and two sisters are the only three of George’s children who are still alive. Dr. Alfred’s mother died when he was born, and George was a single parent and inspiration to his dentist son.

“He was a good guy,” said Dr. Alfred. “We stuck together.”

Dr. Alfred was in California when he heard about the earthquake. “I was anxious to go there right away, but I know I need to let the first responders do their job, then go later. From what I have heard and seen, there is incredible devastation and I am thankful that we will be able to help. Fortunately our buildings are standing and we had no casualties among our people.”

The Stines practice in Howell鈥攁bout 50 miles northwest of Detroit. Dr. Michelle’s brother, Dr. Christopher Stines, practices prosthodontics in nearby Fowlerville, Mich.

Several times a year, the three of them鈥攑lus several cousins who are dentists and Dr. Alfred’s wife Joan and daughter-in-law Lisa, who are dental hygienists鈥攁lso volunteer their services at the Haiti clinics. Helping in Haiti, for the Stines, is truly a family legacy.

“I first went to Haiti with my father on a mission trip when I was in dental school,” said Dr. Michelle. “The need was so great, and we felt we could make a difference, so we were inspired to take it further. Now when we go, we keep very busy. We might see 40 or 50 patients on our first day, then the news spreads and we wake up to find 70 or more people waiting to see us the next day.”

Dr. Alfred says he already had plane tickets booked for a trip to Haiti next week. “We will see if regular incoming flights will be restored by then. Hopefully we will be able to get there and start helping.”

In the meantime, both father and daughter have focused on raising donations and gathering dental supplies for Haiti, and the foundation held a fundraiser Jan. 21.

“A local banquet hall donated a room and hors d’oeuvres for the event and a local radio station broadcast live from the event,” said Dr. Michelle. “We had a variety of Haitian works of art to offer in a silent auction. We raised more than $33,000 for earthquake relief efforts.”

The Stines are accepting donations of dental supplies like anesthesia, gauze, forceps, antibiotics and other supplies as well as financial contributions so they can help in the relief effort. Dentists and physicians interested in volunteering can also contact them for more information.

Visit the foundation’s Web site, www.georgestinesfoundation.org or donate online through PayPal or by mailing a donation to the George Stines Foundation, 4148 East Grand River, Howell, MI 48843, or call 1-517-552-9210 or 1-810-333-2984.