Canadian Red Cross' Integrated Health Program underway in Jacmel

Emergencies and disasters can strike entirely without warning. That was the case several years ago, in January 2010, when Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake that devastated the country. More than 1.3 million people were left homeless, and millions more impacted. Across the world, humanitarian aid services rushed to provide relief in Haiti. The Canadian Red Cross, a non-profit organization in Canada, was a part of one of the biggest humanitarian operations in Red Cross history.

Although relief efforts began quickly in the wake of the earthquake, Haiti was dealt a crippling blow that it has struggled with since and will continue to require aid with over the coming years. Deadly outbreaks of cholera have been particularly worrisome to the vulnerable population.

In an effort to provide relief not only immediately following the quake but in the long term, the Canadian Red Cross teamed with the Haitian Red Cross, the Ministry of Health (MSPP), and three Canadian health partners to create an Integrated Health Program based in the South-East province. The five-year program has both a 'hard' component covering the expansion of four health clinics, the provision of up to 5,000 latrines and the initial reconstruction phase of the provincial hospital (Saint-Michel), as well as a 'soft' component to improve delivery of public health services to the communities. On December 10, 2013, the Integrated Health Program team celebrated a special milestone in the program: the laying of the cornerstone in Jacmel, Haiti's newly restored and renovated Saint-Michel Hospital.

Saint-Michel Hospital was severely damaged during the earthquake nearly four years ago, and its restoration is a key component of the Integrated Health Program.

With millions of dollars in funding from the Canadian and American Red Cross Societies as well as the MSSP, the Canadian Red Cross funded phase of the hospital construction is scheduled for completion in 2015.

"The Canadian Red Cross has been supporting the Haitian Red Cross since 2004 and has become increasingly involved in the country and South-East Province department following the earthquake. Today's announcement is further evidence of our commitment to the Haitian people. Promoting health is a significant part of the Red Cross' work; the Integrated Health Program aims to provide support for all levels of the healthcare continuum, improving access to quality services and strengthening communities in terms of community-based health and first aid," said Alan Dean, chair of the Canadian Red Cross Board of Directors.

You can make a difference in Haiti or where humanitarian aid is needed most around the world. Donate today online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office.