Parish Outreach for February Hôpital Albert Schweitzer - Haiti

The history of HAS

 Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, also known as HAS, is located in Central Haiti and was founded in 1956 by Dr. Larry and Madam Gwen Mellon from Pittsburgh. With permission from the Haitian government, they were allowed to purchase the vacant Standard Fruit Company land, located in the village of Deshcapelles. This is where they built their hospital. The campus comprises of the hospital itself, housing for employees, and necessary community buildings. They also have clinics in the valley and up in the mountains.

 When the Mellons opened the hospital, they said they:

• were guests in Haiti.
• were there to serve the people of Haiti.
• would live among the Haitian people.
• would be non-political.

This commitment has served them well over the past sixty eight years and to this day the hospital has

never had to close its doors, even during earthquakes, hurricanes, cholera outbreaks, embargos, political unrest, and gang violence that is present in Haiti today.

 Our parish supports Maternal and Child Health Care at HAS. By attending the annual Haiti Happening Dinner and Silent Auction run by Canadian Friends of HAS. Up to seventy parish members attend this event each year and it is a time to socialize with fellow parishioners and help support the children of Haiti.

 The next Haiti Happening is on FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024 at the Michelangeo Banquet Centre.