HAS In Action
The Gift of Clean Water
This holiday season, and year round, HAS gives the gift of clean water. An estimated 40 percent of people in ...
Neonatal Care Update from Dr. Maurce Toussaint
“HAS often experiences an increase in the number of premature babies that come for care in the autumn months – ...
HAS Trains 27 New "Matrones"
HAS recently trained 27 new traditional birth attendants (TBAs) (known here as matrones): men and women who assist women to make ...
HAS Mobilizes to Treat and Prevent the Spread of Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya, a contagious, mosquito-borne virus that is spreading throughout the Caribbean, has now been confirmed in Haiti. Over the last several days, we believe patients in the service area of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) have been sickened by the virus.
Cholera 2014: Pre-season Preparations
The rainy season has begun in Haiti. It’s been raining for several weeks now, and with the rainy season comes the risk of spreading waterborne illness, including cholera.
How HAS “goes green.”
The world celebrates Earth Day on April 22. But HAS celebrates the Earth every day of the year by putting environmental concerns at the forefront of delivering smart healthcare in a challenged setting. Haiti is 98% deforested, has no universal waste management or sanitation programs, and has some of the highest disease and mortality rates in the world.
HAS Provides Life-Saving Care to Patients with Tuberculosis
March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day, which aims to raise awareness of the fact that tuberculosis (TB) remains an epidemic in much of the world; it causes the deaths of about 1.5 million people each year, most of whom live in developing countries like Haiti.
Consistent prenatal care helps mothers and infants thrive.
HAS guarantees a minimum service package to patients in the community, including but not limited to adult and pediatric primary care consultations, pre- and post-natal care, nutrition treatment and screening, vaccinations, and family planning services.
Cholera is Still a Threat: 2013 Cholera Season Update (as of October 15)
This October marked three years since the first case of cholera in over a century appeared in Haiti. HAS saw some of the first patients and has treated cholera and led prevention efforts since then. HAS can stabilize cholera patients at the hospital’s cholera ward and also in three of its community health centers.
Washing hands with clean water and soap gives us power over sickness.
World Hand Washing Day is October 15,celebrated by over 200 million people in over 100 countries worldwide. The day is an important reminder that diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, responsible for the majority of child deaths worldwide, can be prevented by proper and regular hand washing.
HAS helps the most fragile with physical therapy.
When one thinks of physical therapy, several types of patients may come to mind: those recovering from traumatic injuries, or recent stroke patients, for example.
"Babies' First Vaccine"
On a hot morning under the shade of several tall trees, HAS community health worker Stephanie Joseph kicked off another health post with an energizing education session.
Four-Week-Mark Cholera Update
As we arrive at the four-week-mark in this year’s battle against cholera, HAS is still fighting to prevent an uncontrolled outbreak of this virulent disease. Our facilities have seen 133 cholera cases since July 25 and are still counting. To put this into perspective, during the same period last year, we saw only twelve cases total!
Cholera is still on the rise at HAS
The cholera outbreak that began three weeks ago in the HAS service area is evolving in ways that continue to challenge our doctors, nurses, and other staff to maintain the highest quality care under the toughest of circumstances.
Cholera Update
In the last few days, cholera cases have been slowly increasing and spreading throughout our service area, well beyond the original source of the outbreak. HAS has still been able to stabilize most patients and refer them from our rural clinics to the main cholera treatment center in the larger town of Verrettes, where we refer stabilized patients for full treatment.
HAS Was Well Prepared for the Recent Resurgence of Cholera
A few weeks ago, we wrote about how we prepare for the public health challenges, such as cholera and acute malnutrition cases, that often accompany the summer rainy season.
Seasonal Malnutrition in Children on the Rise at HAS
In Haiti, food insecurity—that is, feeling uncertain that on any given day, you and your family will have enough food to eat just to survive—is a fact of life. Food insecurity in the Artibonite Valley, where Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) is located, peaks in the summer months, when most of the harvest from the year before is gone, but new crops have not yet come in.
HAS is Prepared for the Rainy Season
The rainy season begins in Haiti in late spring, and by this time of year it is in full swing. This week, Tropical Storm Chantal is bringing heavier than usual rainfall to Haiti and to the Lower Artibonite Valley, where Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) is located. At HAS, our first concern is the public health impact that tropical storms and hurricanes can have on the population we serve.
HAS Prosthetics & Orthotics: Mackenson's Success Story
Meet 30 year old Mackenson, one of our many success stories.
HAS Brings Care and Education to Mothers at Home, in the Community
Up to 75 percent of births in HAS’s service area, as in the rest of Haiti, are at home. HAS is therefore working to bring pre- and post-natal care to the community through an integrated system of care that extends into the communities served by the hospital.
HAS immunization efforts pay off for the Artibonite Valley
This World Immunization Week, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer celebrates the success of vaccines around the world: a widespread immunization campaign eradicated smallpox by 1980, and worldwide, we are progressing towards the eradication of other diseases like polio and measles.
At HAS: Discovering An Alarming Rise in Child Malnutrition this Spring
Later this week, much of the world will be focused on World Health Day. Here at HAS, we've decided to highlight childhood malnutrition as we think about global health because it is a chronic problem that is alarmingly worse this year in Haiti.
Tropical Storm Isaac
Tropical Storm Isaac assaulted Haiti on its way north to the US Gulf Coast last week. Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti, located in the Artibonite Valley and sheltered by two large mountain ranges, is rarely affected by hurricanes, which do greater damage to coastal communities.
Microbiology Adds Diagnostic Capabilities at HAS Laboratory
For a number of patients who come to HAS, our normal diagnostic capabilities are not sufficient to identify the specific pathogen which has caused their disease. As a result, the physicians must try several therapeutic courses until the disease shows some improvement. Sometimes, this is a difficult process for the physicians, who find that it is a bit like “fishing in the dark”.
Remote Data Collection Update
Greetings to all! I am the Chief Information Officer at Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. OpenMRS-JR is a J2ME application with full OpenMRS integration. We have started to pilot OpenMRS-JR on the field. To get more background on HAS and OpenMRS-JR you can see our first post here…
Prosthestics and Orthotics Services at HAS
When HAS, Hanger Foundation and Medi reinitiated services in Deschapelles after the 2011 Christmas break, we established several goals:1. To sustain services at approximately 500 cases per year;2. To offer orthotics, in response to a significant unmet need in our district; and
Orthotics Services Now Offered at HAS/Hanger Klinik
Following the January 2010 earthquake, in which many people died and many others suffered major crushing injuries, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti cared for a number of patients who had undergone traumatic but life-saving amputations. Even before the earthquake, it was difficult to find a place to provide new limbs for people who needed them due to accidents of chronic diseases.
HAS Teaches Young Physicians
Ever since Hopital Albert Schweitzer opened in 1956, it has opened doors for its students and its professional staff to advance their clinical knowledge. In its earliest days, HAS was staffed primarily by American and European physicians and nurses. Now, all of the permanent physicians and nurses are Haitian, trained at the four excellent medical schools and multiple schools of nursing.
The Gift of Clean Water
Great work continues at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti with programs to provide clean water to surrounding communities. Working with our partners the Rotary Clubs of Verrettes, Haiti and of Ancaster, Ontario, wells with hand pumps were recently installed at the Charlemagne Peralte National School in Verrettes and at the Centre de Formation Croisade Church led by Pastor Niza.
Traditional Birth Attendants Graduate from HAS Training Program
Yesterday as morning broke, a flow of women wearing white dresses and head wraps came up the corridor leading to the hospital. Some were on foot, others were crowded into the back of tap-taps, and others were riding on the back of mototaxis, holding their skirts away from the spokes of the rear wheel.
Sixty New Latrines
With a generous grant from the Hummingbird Foundation, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti is building sixty latrines in the mountain community of Terre Net in our region.
Health Mural Brightens Tienne
The mountain community of Tienne is in the far reaches of the HAS service district. There, the lack of water, soil, natural resources, education and employment opportunities all combine to make this among the poorest of the communities we serve. With poverty comes the risk for disease. We have seen higher than usual rates of malnutrition and cholera in Tienne.
Making the switch to mobile data collection
Greetings to all! I am the Chief Information Officer at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. I have been here for over seven years now. One of my responsibilities includes our health information system. Since the very beginning of my time at HAS, I have continually been asked by our community health and monitoring and evaluation directors about the possibility of using mobile devices for field data collection.
It takes a district of villages to fight cholera, too…
In late 2010 we thought we were busy with a full Cholera Treatment Center (CTC). This week, we have had well over 200 patients at any given time. We peaked at around 280 Thursday evening! The normal hospital bed count is well under 140, which means our CTC is now TWICE the size of the hospital.
Cholera rages in the Artibonite Valley
The rainy season brought a surge of cholera to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti at the end of May, but now we are in the midst of another overwhelming wave. Today, our Cholera Treatment Center
Staying a Step Ahead of Cholera
When the rains first began in Haiti several weeks ago, we cautiously planned and prepared for our worst fear: more cholera. After the first few big rain storms of 2011 the number of patients
A View on Cholera
Notes on cholera at HAS from 17 year old Haitian/American Stephanie Dorvil:
Anger-Lesforges Spring
While the hospital was being built, Dr. Mellon recognized the need for a steady water supply for the employees, patients and their families.
Midwife Training
For many years, HAS has provided continuing education for the traditional birth attendants in the HAS primary service area. Most births occur at home, with the support of th
Cholera Patient Transfer from High-risk Area
The impact of disease is not limited to the afflicted individual. The illness of an individual creates a social and economic ripple effect which is complex and crippling.
Home Visits to Cholera Patients
As we review the patient statistics in the adult cholera unit, we cannot avoid the reality that a large proportion of these patients come from three communities.
Preventing Cholera
While the number of admissions to the HAS cholera treatment units have declined somewhat, it is now clear that people
Trend Lines for Cholera
The daily admissions to the adult and child cholera units has shown significant variability in the past ten days; whenever we think we are making some progress, the number jumps up again. The
Cholera traced to the source.
Yesterday we went to the courtyards of some of the people who had been discharged from the hospital in the past several weeks.
From Outbreak to Epidemic
Now, in the middle of week four of the cholera outbreak, we have been taken aback by the large number of new patients in the HAS cholera hospital, with more than 80 patients yesterday in both of
Cholera Pace Remains Unchanged
At our 4am census this morning, we saw 20 adults and 18 children with cholera - a constant level for the past 4 days.
Cholera Patients Continue to Arrive at HAS
Today is a holiday – All Saints’ Day, as is tomorrow, the Day of the Dead.
Cholera Census
As we monitor the daily census at 5am each day, we are observing several trends; the number of adult cases has declined dramatically from the numbers on Sunday, but have essentially remained stable
Cholera Containment and Prevention Message Getting Out
For the past several days, new cases of cholera come in, and an equal numb
New Patients Continue to Arrive
HAS continues to receive new patients with cholera- at the same time, we are able to discharge approximately the same number, so our census of cholera patients remains fairly stable for the momen
Week One of the Cholera Epidemic
This is the one-week anniversary for the cholera epidemic at HAS; it was last week on Saturday that we first saw the few cases of severe diarrhea, and without recognizing it for the relatively ob
Cholera has been Confirmed in the Artibonite
Last evening, the CDC confirmed that the cases of diarrheal illness that HAS and other hospitals in the Artibonite region have been receiving have been identified as Cholera. HAS has institut
Disease Outbreak in Haiti's Artibonite Region
During the day yesterday, reports came in to us at HAS that there was a suspected outbreak of severe diarrhea and vomiting, with most of the cases in the Artibonite region. By th
Seasonal Malnutrition in Rural Haiti
The Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit at the hospital has the most severely malnourished children in the region; most of them have been sent to the hospital from the mountain dispensaries in Tienne a
Prevention of Water-borne Diseases in Flood Zones
Following the floods in the Deschapelles and neighboring areas earlier this month, volunteer animatrices visited all of the households to which they are assigned to assess the risk factors for d
Responding to the Deschapelles Floods
Immediately after the floods, volunteers spread out to the most affected households in our region to assist in cleaning and trash removal.
Measuring the Flood Impact in Deschapelles
In the days after the Sunday flood of the Ca Charles watershed, volunteers and part-time workers with the UN project went to all of the affected homes and assisted in clearing away mud, rocks, tr
In the Aftermath of the Flood
On Monday morning following the rains and the flood, the HAS managers of the UN Cash-for-Work project allocated more than 100 workers, who had been cleaning local canals or fixing roads, to the f
Torrential Downpours Flood Artibonite Valley
Five years ago on this date, a short but powerful rain created a flood which rushed down the Les Forges ravine and washed out the Deschapelles market and most of the houses below the bridge which
HAS 6 Months After the Quake
Six months ago, a powerful earthquake shook Haiti’s capital city and other crowded residential areas to the south west.
Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit
”Tipa tipa, ti zwazo fe nish li”. Bit by bit, the tiny bird makes her nest, says the Kreyol proverb, and in this season it is truer than ever.
A new step for Ania, a new step for HAS
During the earthquake of 12 January, many people suffered crushing injuries to their extremities; primary care for the injured often required amputations of injured or infected l
Recognizing the need for rehabilitation services
Ian is off campus today in Port Au Prince meeting with officials at the US Embassy.
Relief arriving at HAS
As Ian is off campus today, I will fill in with an update on some of the other activities surrounding HAS response to this crisis.
Support from ODES
For this morning's update I want to report on how the surrounding community has pulled together to help in this emergency.
Orthopedic and surgical volunteers arrive
Last night, the Orthopedics team from Atlanta arrived at 7 PM, following a bone-jarring, 5-hour truck ride from Cap Haitin, the only airport which is open to civilian airplanes.
Day 8 of the Earthquake Emergency
We were awakened at 6:30 this morning by what seemed to be another aftershock. It was a nice way to meet the neighbors, as we all bolted out the doors together.
Reinforcements from medical volunteers
A new day starts, and in addition to patients arriving from PauP, not to be forgotten are our usual patients from the district, arriving with motorbike accidents, suspected malaria and such.
The flow of urgent cases continues
The flow of urgent cases from Port au Prince continues as before except that they are more serious cases.
January 17, 2010
Overnight, several patients have died, of a combination of their injuries and sepsis; we have run out of antibiotics.
January 15, 2010
During the night, additional patients have arrived - some have been carried in on doors, and as we don't have any more beds, they stay on the door to keep them off the floor.
January 14, 2010
UPDATE: 6:48 PMThroughout the day more vehicles arrive, more people seeking care.
January 13, 2010
Ian Rawson, HAS Managing Director on the ground in Deschapelles, provided this snapshot of conditions:
News From Haiti
The "Rice Basket" of Haiti
One of the most important sectors of the Haitian economy is agriculture. According to the World Bank, economic growth in ...
Rumrunners: Or, What Does a Rum Punch Party in Pittsburgh Have to Do with a Hospital in Haiti?
“In school they call it the age of exploration, the search for territories and islands that would send Europeans all ...
HAS is an Economic Engine in the Artibonite Valley.
HAS employs approximately 500 people, 98% of whom are Haitian and from the hospital’s service area. HAS is also an ...
Haiti’s Double Burden of Disease
When thinking of healthcare in Haiti, what comes to mind? Many think of malnutrition and infectious diseases like cholera. While ...
Growing Epidemic of Road Trauma in Haiti
According to the World Health Organization, over 1.2 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents—over 90 percent ...
Cholera 2014: Pre-season Preparations
The rainy season has begun in Haiti. It’s been raining for several weeks now, and with the rainy season comes the risk of spreading waterborne illness, including cholera.
Cholera is Still a Threat: 2013 Cholera Season Update (as of October 15)
This October marked three years since the first case of cholera in over a century appeared in Haiti. HAS saw some of the first patients and has treated cholera and led prevention efforts since then. HAS can stabilize cholera patients at the hospital’s cholera ward and also in three of its community health centers.
Maternal Health: Celebrating Successes, Setting Goals for the Future
This week, CNN published a timely and informative article in light of the recent new addition to the British Royal Family. Like CNN and the rest of the world, we congratulate the people of Britain as they welcome their new baby prince into the world!
TB: Haiti's Biggest Health Crisis
What began as coughing, headache and body pain was really the start of a three-year journey including a two-month hospitalization in the isolation unit.
"This pump has no dry season": A Look at the Impact of Clean Water in Haiti
Friday is World Water Day. In honor of that, we wanted to take some time to share several of the experiences we've had at HAS, in witnessing just how transformative it is when communities are given access to clean water.
Tropical Storm Isaac
Tropical Storm Isaac assaulted Haiti on its way north to the US Gulf Coast last week. Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti, located in the Artibonite Valley and sheltered by two large mountain ranges, is rarely affected by hurricanes, which do greater damage to coastal communities.
HAS, one year later...
Haiti is poor in material terms, but Haitians are rich in their spirit and their courage. In the past year alone, they have endured a horrendous earthquake, floods in our region and a dead
Cholera Patterns Emerge
The map to the left reflects the data which is published each week from the Haiti Ministry of Public Health and Population, as reported last week.
Trend Lines for Cholera
The daily admissions to the adult and child cholera units has shown significant variability in the past ten days; whenever we think we are making some progress, the number jumps up again. The
From Outbreak to Epidemic
Now, in the middle of week four of the cholera outbreak, we have been taken aback by the large number of new patients in the HAS cholera hospital, with more than 80 patients yesterday in both of
Cholera in Haiti - The Early Years
Nevin was cleaning out his office this week, after three years as the HAS Director of Finance and Administration, and he discovered a faded book entitled
Cholera has been Confirmed in the Artibonite
Last evening, the CDC confirmed that the cases of diarrheal illness that HAS and other hospitals in the Artibonite region have been receiving have been identified as Cholera. HAS has institut
Disease Outbreak in Haiti's Artibonite Region
During the day yesterday, reports came in to us at HAS that there was a suspected outbreak of severe diarrhea and vomiting, with most of the cases in the Artibonite region. By th
Seasonal Malnutrition in Rural Haiti
The Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit at the hospital has the most severely malnourished children in the region; most of them have been sent to the hospital from the mountain dispensaries in Tienne a
Improving Literacy in Haiti
Today I learned how to read on, an, en, and ou. Then I learned to write 1,2, 3, and 4.
Artibonite Valley Population Growing Post-Earthquake
Exerpt from 2/9/2010 blog by Edward Rawson http://www.edwardrawson.com/
Three weeks after the earthquake
The past three weeks have seemed like an eternity, from the time late in the evening of the 12th of January, when the first patients began to arrive in tap-taps from Port- au-Prince, and the true
Relief arriving at HAS
As Ian is off campus today, I will fill in with an update on some of the other activities surrounding HAS response to this crisis.
Day 8 of the Earthquake Emergency
We were awakened at 6:30 this morning by what seemed to be another aftershock. It was a nice way to meet the neighbors, as we all bolted out the doors together.
Reinforcements from medical volunteers
A new day starts, and in addition to patients arriving from PauP, not to be forgotten are our usual patients from the district, arriving with motorbike accidents, suspected malaria and such.
The flow of urgent cases continues
The flow of urgent cases from Port au Prince continues as before except that they are more serious cases.
January 17, 2010
Overnight, several patients have died, of a combination of their injuries and sepsis; we have run out of antibiotics.
January 15, 2010
During the night, additional patients have arrived - some have been carried in on doors, and as we don't have any more beds, they stay on the door to keep them off the floor.
January 14, 2010
UPDATE: 6:48 PMThroughout the day more vehicles arrive, more people seeking care.
January 13, 2010
Ian Rawson, HAS Managing Director on the ground in Deschapelles, provided this snapshot of conditions:
Global Health News
HAS is Committed to Supporting United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations (UN) and 189 countries have applied lessons learned through efforts to support the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)1,2, ...
HAS Fights Child Pneumonia with Effective Prevention, Treatment
World Pneumonia Day, celebrated November 12, is about encouraging innovation in the fight against child pneumonia – a common lung ...
HAS Celebrates World Food Day
Today, in celebration of World Food Day, a food exposition was held at two of our community health centers, displaying ...
Join Us as We Celebrate International Day of the Girl
In Haiti, there is a proverb: fanm se poto mitan, ‘women are the pillar of society.’ Women of Haiti are viewed ...
World Heart Day 2014: Promoting Heart Health in Haiti and Beyond
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, according to the World Heart Federation. World Heart Day 2014 ...
HAS Helps Lay Foundation for Healthy Futures
Today is International Youth Day, celebrating young people worldwide. This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health Matters!’ The World Health Organization ...
A Winning Goal - for Life!
This week, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) celebrates World Breastfeeding Week with the theme “Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal – for ...
World Population Day
World Population Day is an annual event that marks the date when the world’s population reached 5 billion (July 11, ...
Haiti’s Double Burden of Disease
When thinking of healthcare in Haiti, what comes to mind? Many think of malnutrition and infectious diseases like cholera. While ...
HAS Celebrates Fathers
This month, HAS salutes the many men around the world who are embodying the spirit of Father’s Day. Allow us to introduce you to three generations of sons from our own HAS family.
HAS Celebrates International Day of Women
In honor of International Women’s Day, Hopital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS)…
HAS Celebrates International Day of Women
In honor of International Women’s Day, Hopital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) celebrates the many women whose work at HAS saves lives and inspires positive change day in and day out. Operating room nurse Jeanine Jeanlor has been an OR nurse at HAS for more than 30 years, inspiring those around her to provide the best possible care with compassion.
HAS celebrates Mothers' Love and Infant Survival this Valentine's Day
This Valentine's Day, HAS celebrates the strong loving bond between mothers and their children. Premature birth, a leading cause of infant death worldwide, is a threat to keeping families together. HAS is dedicated to reducing infant mortality through expert, vigilant neonatal care.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Series 3: Meet Amelise
HAS performs nearly 2,000 major surgeries per year, many of which are a matter of life and death, in addition to many more minor surgeries. Motor vehicle crashes (including both cars and motorcycles) represent 19 percent of all HAS surgery patients, 40 percent of all trauma patients and 50 percent of blunt force trauma patients who s
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Series 2: Meet Jacques
HAS marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims this week with stories of vehicle accident victims who were treated at HAS, which is seeing a dramatic increase in trauma cases from such accidents with post-earthquake road improvements.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Series 1: Meet Pauline
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims happens every third Sunday of November to honor victims of road traffic crashes and their families. Here at HAS, the day could not be more relevant.
HAS Celebrates International Day of the Girl
Today is International Day of the Girl, a movement aimed at highlighting, discussing, celebrating, and advancing girls’ lives and opportunities around the world.
Dr. Toussaint recalls journey with pediatric heart survivor.
September 29 is World Heart Day. HAS joins in the celebration to help spread the word that heart disease and stroke are the world's leading causes of death.
Maternal Health: Celebrating Successes, Setting Goals for the Future
This week, CNN published a timely and informative article in light of the recent new addition to the British Royal Family. Like CNN and the rest of the world, we congratulate the people of Britain as they welcome their new baby prince into the world!
A Salute to Fathers
We turn our attention to the health of fathers this month in honor of Father’s Day in Haiti and elsewhere. Every day around the world, fathers provide strength and support to their families.
Community Education on Blood Donation a Key to HAS Success
When it comes to healthcare, knowledge is power. This is why community education is a high priority at HAS.
HAS celebrates World Immunization Week
Today, as HAS celebrates World Immunization Week with the World Health Organization, we also celebrate the parents of our Artibonite community, who greatly value the vaccines that protect their children from deadly diseases. HAS community health workers and parents work together to ensure that vaccines will get to those who need them most—infants and children, HAS’s smallest patients.
Putting our Heads Together to Find Global Health Solutions
Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” At HAS, we know that all people and organizations enjoy successful ventures alongside attempts that don’t work out as planned; what matters is that we remain dedicated to improvement.
This World Health Day, Meet the Community Health Workers on the Front Lines
We are honoring World Health Day at HAS by taking a look at a health challenge that is very real and growing in our community: childhood malnutrition. One of the most critical means of combating childhood malnutrition is through education and prevention.
"This pump has no dry season": A Look at the Impact of Clean Water in Haiti
Friday is World Water Day. In honor of that, we wanted to take some time to share several of the experiences we've had at HAS, in witnessing just how transformative it is when communities are given access to clean water.
HAS Observes World Mental Health Day
Sunday, October 10th was World Mental Health Day, which HAS observed the following Monday with a presentation by a psychologist who discussed the long-term effects of traumatic events such as natur
HAS Events
HAS Holiday Party 2014
Nearly 500 HAS employees celebrated another successful year at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti with the annual holiday party throughout the ...
HAS Giving Tuesday Tent Draws Pittsburghers’ Support for Hospital in Haiti
Every year Pittsburgh, PA, marks the beginning of the holiday season with “Light Up Night,” which attracts crowds of all ...
New York Reception Draws Current, New HAS Supporters
HAS donors Joe Azrack and Abigail Congdon hosted a reception for HAS in October 2014 at their Greenwich Village townhome. ...
Bay Area Business, Community Leaders Step Up to Support HAS
HAS supporter Tom Perkins, founder of venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, opened his stunning San Francisco penthouse ...
Pittsburghers Raise $5K at First Annual $5K Rum Event for HAS
PITTSBURGH, PA – More than 100 Pittsburghers, including special guest Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, gathered September 11 at the first ...
Rumrunners: Or, What Does a Rum Punch Party in Pittsburgh Have to Do with a Hospital in Haiti?
“In school they call it the age of exploration, the search for territories and islands that would send Europeans all ...
HAS Honors Board Member Louise Stephaich at New York Event
HAS board members welcomed long-time donors and special guests at a private reception in New York City April 25th.
HAS Raises Record $700,000 at 2014 Palm Beach Event
The annual HAS fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, raised a record $700,000 this year.
HAS Visits Longtime Partner Rotary Club of Key West
HAS CEO Louis Martin and HAS Development staffer Katherine Matson spoke to the Rotary Club of Key West on March 20, with Louis joining from his office in Haiti via Skype. They covered the hospital’s progress over the past year and priorities for the future, including highlights of the recently adopted five-year strategic plan.
Sophia Martelly makes surprise visit to HAS
HAS was honored recently by a surprise visit by Sophia Martelly, wife of Haiti President Michel Martelly. Mrs. Martelly found HAS to be “very impressive” as she toured the campus and talked with clinical staff.
Putting our Heads Together to Find Global Health Solutions
Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” At HAS, we know that all people and organizations enjoy successful ventures alongside attempts that don’t work out as planned; what matters is that we remain dedicated to improvement.
The Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Music of Johann Sebastian Bach
Friday May 10 2013, 8:00pmTickets $25 (includes reception) All proceeds benefit the Canadian Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti St. James Church, Dundas137 Melville Street, Dundas, Ontario905-627-1424http://stjamesdundas.ca/music/musica-st-james/
A Haiti Happening – 2012
On Saturday February 25th, at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, 375 humanitarians came together in support of maternal and child health at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS).
Christmas in Deschapelles 2011
Every year since the opening of the hospital in 1956, the Mellon’s hosted a luncheon for employees the Friday before Christmas. In the early years, when we had fewer employees, the event was held in the hospital cafeteria. Over the years, the event has moved down to the Mellon House, with tables set around the large Strangler Fig tree.
HAS Board Meets in Deschapelles
During this past week the Board of Directors gathered in Deschapelles for our semi-annual meeting.
Haiti Happening Fundraiser 2011
With 408 people in attendance and over $30,000 raised, the 2011 Haiti Happening fundraiser for Canadian Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti was an expression of optimism and
HAS Managing Director Speaks at Carnegie Mellon
Ian Rawson, who is now serving as Managing Director of HAS in Deschapelles, and who was at HAS when the earthquake hit Haiti on January 12th, was invited to be the commencement speaker at this ye
Partnery Spotlight
Rotary Club of Chardon Raises Funds for HAS Incubators
This year’s Rotary Club of Chardon (Ohio) fundraiser raised $31,200 to enable HAS to purchase two incubators for use in ...
Canadian Friends of HAS raised funds at Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope in Canada
Canadian Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (CFHAS) dedicated a weekend to raising funds for HAS by participating in the ...
HAS Visits Longtime Partner Rotary Club of Key West
HAS CEO Louis Martin and HAS Development staffer Katherine Matson spoke to the Rotary Club of Key West on March 20, with Louis joining from his office in Haiti via Skype. They covered the hospital’s progress over the past year and priorities for the future, including highlights of the recently adopted five-year strategic plan.
Project C.U.R.E. visit to HAS
HAS recently hosted a weeklong small-group visit organized by Project C.U.R.E. as part of its PhilanthroTravel program, which offers unique opportunities for supporters of Project C.U.R.E to connect first-hand with the organization’s work around the world. Project C.U.R.E.
HAS Thanks AmeriCares for Helping to Fight Cholera
HAS is still in the midst of an unsteady fight against cholera. A water-borne bacterium is never predictable, and cholera spreads particularly rapidly. In this unsure moment, HAS is doing everything it can to remain prepared in case the number of patients in need of urgent cholera care increases yet again.
HAS Thanks Direct Relief for Timely, Crucial Help
We at HAS sincerely appreciate the partnerships that help make our work possible; in fact, not a day goes by without our somehow collaborating with others and with the community we serve. We deliver life-saving care and help the people of the Artibonite improve their health and quality of life with the help of many.
Thank You AmeriCares and AstraZeneca
At HAS, it always takes a team to get the work done. And sometimes that team extends beyond our medical staff and our supporting departments to include other organizations that are able to partner with us to achieve something we could never have accomplished on our own. These partnerships are vital to our success and to the health outcomes for our patients.
A double visit: Global Links and Global Giving
Last Friday, HAS was honored to host Marisol Wandiga, the Program Officer for the Caribbean Region from Global Links, and Jenn Eason, the In-the-Field Representative for Haiti from Global Giving.
Ryan's Wells and HAS
We at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) are fortunate to collaborate with so many talented and dedicated organizations and individuals who share our goal of bettering the lives of the people in the Artibonite Valley of Haiti. One such individual is Ryan Hreljac.
HAS recognized at Hanger 150th Anniversary
The Hanger Corporation and the Ivan R. Sabel Hanger Foundation celebrated Hanger’s century and half of service to amputees and individuals with disabilities at its annual education meeting in February. The capstone of the meeting was the gala dinner, at which the achievements of individuals and teams were recognized, and partners were honored.
Celebrating Two Decades of Partnership
Today in Switzerland and in Haiti, twenty years of friendship and support for the people of Haiti are being celebrated. Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) very gratefully recognizes the 20th anniversary of our partnership with Verein Partnerschaft Kinderspitaeler Biel (VPKB) on December 14, 2011.
Ti Fa's Farm
Over the many years of HAS’ service in Haiti, we have enjoyed fruitful relationships with many academic institutions including Stanford, Harvard, Tulane, Carnegie-Mellon, and Yale
Philip Craig Arts Program Haiti
Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation, in collaboration with Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti, established the Philip Craig Arts Program (PCAP)
Haiti Water for Life Celebrates Drilling 200 Wells!
Over 15 years ago Canadian Rotarian Roy Sheldrick and his wife, Norma visited Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. The trip became a life changing experience for Roy who wrote of this experienc
HAS Heroes
Sandy Kreis ran Maine Marathon in memory of her father, Dr. David Kreis, to benefit HAS
On Sunday, October 5, 2014, Sandra Kreis ran 26.2 miles in the Maine Marathon in memory of her father, David ...
HAS Remembers Francis Wymard
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti Board and staff are deeply saddened by the loss of longtime HAS friend and advisor Francis Xavier “Fran” Wymard, whose work in the service of HAS following the 2010 earthquake will long be remembered with great gratitude. Mr.
Brooklyn Bowlers Rally to Raise Funds for HAS
Alan Leber, brother of HAS Manager of Supply Chain and Logistics Dan Leber rallied family and friends to raise an impressive $4,022 through a bowling event held at The GutterBowling Alley and Bar in Brooklyn, New York, on April 27, 2014.
Dr. Antoine (Tony) Augustin remembered with great admiration and fondness by Hôpital Albert Sc...
Dr. Antoine (Tony) Augustin, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) “alumni” class of 1979, died on March 20, 2014 at home in Haiti.
Giving Back to the Hospital that Inspired My Career
by Alexi MatousekI first came to HAS in 1991 with my family when I was 9 years old. My parents were recruited to teach at a local school, which was attended by children of several American and European families who lived here at the time. I have extremely fond memories of many great adventures then, including one that inspired me to become a surgeon.
Why We Care About Haiti
After reading an article in LIFE Magazine about Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s hospital in Lambarene, Gabon (Africa), Larry and Gwen Mellon were inspired to do something similar. In their correspondence, Dr. Schweitzer encouraged them to find another part of the world in need of the same life-saving, compassionate care.
Three Months with the HAS Family: A Researcher's Perspective
In February of 2013, when I arrived at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS), I had already spent six months in Port-au-Prince, where I had begun conducting research on the neurological disease patterns seen at the emergency rooms of selected major hospitals in Haiti.
Ralph S. Greco, MD, honored with Gienapp Award
HAS Board Member Ralph S. Greco, MD, was honored today at a luncheon held by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) during their 2012 Annual Educational Conference. Dr.
A Tribute to Dr. Frank James Lepreau, Jr., October 6,1912-January 25, 2012
As Medical Director, Frank started the X-Ray conferences at HAS which are still so powerful today. One of the great things about him was his unending enthusiasm.
Ms. Camite
Ms. Camite is my idol. If I was a teenage girl and American Idol came to Haiti, I would vote for Ms.
First Time Volunteering Abroad
In March, I was given the opportunity to volunteer for two weeks as a Physical Therapist (PT) at the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) Hanger clinic in Deschapelles Haiti. Since it was my
Halothane Nights
I looked forward to volunteering at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) in Deschapelles, Haiti with eager trepidation. I relished the opportunity and challenge of safely providing high qual
Reflections from Visiting Physician Dr. Mourra
Today after my hospital rounds, I found my way to a local Baptist church for Sunday service.
Photographer’s Journal
I was not sure what I was going to find when I arrived at the cholera unit at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) in January.
Madam Mellon Would Approve
My wife, Delight Wing, and I recently returned from a two week stay at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS), covering for one of the full-time pediatricians who was on vacation.
My Second Visit to HAS
The first week of March was my second trip to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS), the first was last June. After being greeted at the airport by our most able driver in a colorfully painte
Personal Perspective from Sara Hammett
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti is so fortunate to have a steady stream of talented volunteers from all aspects of medicine and administration that visit us throughout the year to share their e
Swiss of the Year
We at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti celebrate a tremendous honor which has been bestowed upon two great HAS medical professionals. Rolf Maibach, MD, board member and former Medical Director
High School Student Visits HAS
My name is Robin Brody and I am a high school student in Colorado who had the incredible opportunity to spend nine days at HAS. The experience was one I will never forget.
A Conversation With Carsten Stauf
The patients at the HAS Hanger prosthetics lab have appreciated the gift of new mobility which comes with the prosthetics device.
An update from Dr. Rolf Maibach, Medical Director
Sunday morning is usually rather calm in the pediatric and adult wards at the hospital: Few urgent cases, pediatricians, internists and surgeons doing rounds quietly and visiting all their patien
Arriving at HAS after the earthquake
Today's blog from Deschapelles is being sent to you all by Ian Rawson’s son, Edward who was working in New Orleans and immediately made plans to travel to Haiti upon receiving news of the ear
Discussing upcoming health needs in Haiti
During the past several days, we have helped more earthquake patients to leave the hospital; others remain, recovering from surgery, and benefiting from rehabilitation services.
Mami's story
Each day I try to go through the hospital several times in the early morning, during the day and in the evening.
Inside HAS
Five Years After Haiti Earthquake: Hospital Adapts, Works with Haitian Community to Overcome Ne...
Public health pioneer Larry Mellon established Haiti’s Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) nearly 60 years ago, creating the world’s first sustainable ...
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti Receives $90,000 Flora Family Foundation Grant
The Flora Family Foundation, established in 1998 by the family of William R. Hewlett (co-founder of Hewlett-Packard Company) and his ...
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti Receives $200,000 Ford Foundation Grant
A hospital that has been effectively improving public health in Haiti for nearly 60 years has received a $200,000 grant ...
HAS Announces Retirement of Board Member, Co-founder's Son, Ian G. Rawson, Ph.D.
HAS, the hospital in Haiti founded in 1956 by Pittsburgh native Dr. Larimer Mellon and his wife, Gwen Grant Mellon, ...
Richard King Mellon Foundation Awards $150,000 Grant to Help Pittsburgh-Based Non-Profit Build ...
The Richard King Mellon Foundation awarded a $150,000 grant to help Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) strengthen the capacity of ...
Haitian Citizen Named to Lead Medical Team at HAS
DESCHAPELLES, HAITI – One of the most well established hospitals in Haiti has named Haitian internist Herriot Sannon, M.D., to lead its medical team.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Features HAS on Editorial Page
HAS Board Member Harold T. Lewis Chronicles Recent Visit, Value of HAS
Happy 57th Anniversary to HAS
“Congratulations to HAS on 57 years, celebrating the founding of the most wonderful hospital in Haiti, which services nearly 350,000 deserving people!
First European Alumni Award Dedicated to Ian Rawson
The 7th Reunion of the HAS Haiti Alumni Association Europe took place at Bienenberg/Basel/Switzerland September 7 – 9, 2012. Around 100 former employees, volunteers and interested people from Haiti, US, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Spain and UK participated at the meeting.
HAS Welcomes Louis Martin as CEO
Dear Friends: As the current Board Chair of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti, I am very pleased to share with you some news which I believe will further strengthen our organization as we strive to continue service to the people of the Artibonite Valley.
Birthday of an Inspiration
This January 14, HAS celebrates the birthday of one of the inspirations for Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS): Albert Schweitzer himself. Born in Germany in 1875, Schweitzer was a talented musician, philosopher, and medical missionary who founded and sustained a hospital in West Africa, along with winning the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for works on his philosophy of "Reverence f
Compelling photos by Karl Grobl
Award-winning photojournalist Karl Grobl recently made his fourth journey to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. Karl travels the globe recording many faces and places, but we find his pictures of Haiti most compelling. Few can capture the spirit and resilience of the Haitian people, and the remarkable work of our hospital, in this way.
We Came to Help
Walking into the cholera tents at Hospital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) is daunting. Swathed in drippy moist heat and the acrid smells of human sickness the nurses and doctors acrobatically move between cholera cots that are crammed into every corner.
When the earthquake struck Haiti we felt the tremors at Bombay
We do not know why we chose to fly out of Haiti on 31 Dec 2009.
An Incredible Gift
I had the pleasure of spending a week at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti in March, 2011, working with the Anesthesia Department. As I have learned so many times in life, things don’t always t
HAS Board Meets in Deschapelles
During this past week the Board of Directors gathered in Deschapelles for our semi-annual meeting.
Contrasting Realities
As the van taking me to the airport pulled out of Deschapelles, tenderly making its way over speed bumps, I was fully aware that I had left a part of me in that oasis of fertile land, lush gardens,
Go to the People...
Go to the People;Learn from them;Start from where they are;Build on what they have.
Going Home
Just as in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel Love in the Time of Cholera, the cholera patients we see at the hospital are am
Reflections
January 12, 2011, the first anniversary of the horrendous earthquake in Port au Prince, was only a week ago, but as usual in Haiti, the events of the day cloud the recollections o
Terre Nette from the Air
We have received more than 200 cases of cholera from the remote mountain community of Terre Nette.
Doors, Again
After the earthquake in January, many patients were brought to the hospital from Port-au-Prince on improvised stretchers; the most stable way to carry the injured victims of the quake was on a do
One World, One Heart, Helping Haiti
HAS has received numerous heartfelt and inspiring notes and pieces of art from children of all ages from all over the world. And recently, we received a very special gift that touched my hear
The Sentinel Bird
In the morning, I bring my coffee mug to the swing on the porch and look out at the mist rising from the Cahos mountains across the Artibonite River.
ALFA Program
One of the great tragedies in Haiti today is the large number of adults who are analfabete; illiterate, and not able to participate in the normal exchanges which are the foundation of contemporary
HAS Welcomes New Medical Director, Dr. Silvia Ernst
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) wishes to thank and bid a fond farewell to Rolf Maibach, MD. Dr.
Celebrating Larry Mellon's Birthday
This year marks a centennial of a sort for HAS; it is the 100th birthday of Larry Mellon, and it was observed here in Deschapelles with several days of celebration, along with the 54th anniversar
HAS featured in Stanford Medical School SCOPE blog
As we continue the long term work to recover from the earthquake, events are moving rapidly forward to help those folks who have suffered from this devastation.
Supplies arrive at HAS
Since the beginning of post-earthquake recovery effort, the United Nations has provided logistical support for patient evacuation and the delivery of essential medicines and materials.
Support from ODES
For this morning's update I want to report on how the surrounding community has pulled together to help in this emergency.
Orthopedic and surgical volunteers arrive
Last night, the Orthopedics team from Atlanta arrived at 7 PM, following a bone-jarring, 5-hour truck ride from Cap Haitin, the only airport which is open to civilian airplanes.
