As Haiti prepares to take on Scotland on June 13 in its first World Cup game in 52 years, fans around the globe are cheering on the team’s incredible journey. At Heart to Heart International, this historic match also has us looking back at our own long history of standing alongside the resilient people of Haiti.
Our commitment began in the early 2000s, but it was in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake that our response truly mobilized. We deployed thousands of volunteers and shipped millions of dollars in medicines and supplies to support survivors.
A Foundation Rooted in Resilience
To help strengthen the local healthcare system for the long haul, we established Heart to Heart International – Haiti. Based in Pétion-Ville, staffed by Haitian doctors, nurses, and professionals, and supported by volunteers, this team took essential care on the road, traveling to remote clinics to treat everyday health issues where medical services were hardest to find.
Stepping Up in Times of Crisis
The Haitian medical team’s experience fighting cholera began in 2013, leaving them uniquely prepared for the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016. When the hurricane triggered a volatile resurgence of the disease, the team immediately stood up specialized treatment clinics to combat the outbreak.
One of the most moving stories from the team came after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico in 2017. HHI deployed our Haitian medical team to care for remote island communities. For these doctors and nurses, it was a profound opportunity to pay forward the compassion they experienced after their own earthquake. Because they knew firsthand the trauma of a natural disaster, they were able to connect with their patients with unique empathy and deep understanding. Dr. Josue Andre said: “Our presence itself is a type of cure because we’re Haitians. We’ve been through so many natural disasters and made it through. And now have the strength to go out into the world and help other people. The people we’re treating see that and see us as hope and inspiration.”
And when disaster struck home again during the 2021 earthquake, this team was ready, arriving less than 48 hours after the earthquake and treating hundreds of survivors in the hard-hit areas west of the capital.
Continuing Our Mission Together
In 2022, we proudly transitioned the local organization fully to local leadership. Today, HHI continues to support the country through major shipments of medical aid. We partner with organizations like the Haiti Eye Project and the Global Birthing Home Foundation, which works to ensure mothers can deliver their babies safely. And partnering with Food For The Poor in 2024, we delivered 20,000 hygiene kits to families in need during a complex humanitarian crisis fueled by violence.
We know so many of our longtime donors and volunteers hold a special place in their hearts for the communities in Haiti. This year alone, we have already sent $6 million in medical supplies and aid to the country.
As we watch Haiti take the world stage today, we remain deeply committed to supporting their health and communities every day.
