Why Haiti?

Why Haiti? The truth is this project could have been designated for any number of hospitals all over the world. We believe the difference we can make in Haiti can really serve to inspire others. Haiti is a country of 8.8 million people where 80% of the population lives on less than $2 a day. Haiti is considered to be the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has the highest rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and HIV west of Africa. The country is currently facing three major health crises: AIDS, tuberculosis and malnutrition.

Hopital Adventiste d’Haiti is a mission hospital strategically located in the Diquini neighborhood of the capital city of Port Au Prince. The hospital receives electrical power from the national grid for only a few hours each day, maintains its own limited water system, and faces unending problems with traffic, bureaucracy, supplies and equipment repairs. Developing a commitment to quality patient care with the time and compassion necessary to truly connect with others is difficult in this setting.

Currently the hospital is waiting on completion of a 2nd floor wing that was only roofed in when the hospital was built 30 years ago. For the last 5 years this hospital has been waiting primarily on windows, but most recently robbery and vandalism has set them back even further. The completion of this wing is a top priority as it will provide more efficiency in patient services. Once the wing is completed the inpatients occupying the ground level outpatient clinic will be moved upstairs. With this transition the hospital will be able to expand the services to include a dental clinic and possibly even physical therapy. Additionally the pediatrics unit will be able to move into the current administrative wing, which is closer to the other inpatient wing and will provide for greater nursing efficiency.

The hospital is located relatively close to Universite Adventiste d’Haiti and discussions have begun on the possibility of developing a health science academic division, with programs in nursing, medical technology, dental assisting, and other disciplines.

The potential for this hospital to create real change for the community it serves is monumental, but will not be possible with out the commitment of supporters to see the hospital all the way through. That is where we all come in.