Haiti
Health Ministries
Haiti, Caribbean
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Haiti Health Ministries (HHM) was founded by Dr. Jim Wilkins and his wife, Sandy, in January 2006. The clinic is located in Gressier, just west of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, has a per capita income of about $400 in rural areas and faces significant healthcare challenges. The clinic serves the indigent population, providing essential medical care regardless of patients' ability to pay. The Wilkins, originally from the American Midwest, moved to Haiti in 1999 with a mission to provide compassionate healthcare and share the love of Christ. HHM operates a busy outpatient clinic that handles over 30,000 patient consultations annually. The clinic offers a range of services, including laboratory, pharmacy, sonography, radiology, and minor surgery. It provides comprehensive patient education and training for national medical workers. Patients commonly treated at the clinic suffer from intestinal parasites, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, dehydration, malnutrition, end-stage cancers, and require prenatal care. The clinic also supports community health activities and cooperates with the Christianville Foundation to provide free care to students in Christianville’s school system.
Technology & Capacity:
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Church and Governance:
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Training Opportunities:
The clinic regularly receives healthcare students and resident physicians, who start by shadowing clinicians before advancing to independent patient care under supervision. Clinics begin with educational sessions, and students gain significant hands-on experience. Participation in community health activities is also available.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Practitioners
Clinic Administrators
Pharmacists/Pharmacy Technicians
Building and Grounds Managers
Language:
Haitians primarily speak Creole, a simplified form of French, while about 10 percent speak French. Translators are available at the clinic to assist with communication.
Housing & Food:
Housing and meals are provided at a nearby guesthouse, which includes basic amenities such as linens and cold water showers. The guesthouse features four bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, and a covered back porch. Solar power is available throughout the day, supplemented by a diesel generator as needed.
Travel:
Visitors fly into Port-au-Prince, where they are met by a clinic representative for the 1.5-hour drive to Gressier. U.S. citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival in Port-au-Prince. Travelers should consult the CDC Travel Website and the U.S. State Department for health and safety information before traveling.
Time Difference:
Haiti operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round.
People and Local Religion:
Haiti’s population is 90 percent African, with most people originally from Benin and Ivory Coast. The country is predominantly Christian, with a blend of religious practices including Voodoo. The clinic serves a primarily rural population with significant healthcare needs.
Climate:
Haiti has a tropical climate with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The weather is generally hot, and visitors should be prepared for the climate conditions.
Unique Challenges:
The clinic addresses common health issues such as tropical infections, diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition. Accessibility to healthcare and resources is limited, and the clinic often faces challenges related to societal and economic conditions.
Evangelism Opportunities:
Evangelism is integral to HHM’s mission. The clinic presents the Gospel to patients and their families, provides New Testaments to those who accept Christ, and refers them to local evangelical churches. The clinic’s ministry emphasizes both physical and spiritual care.
For further details, visit the Haiti Health Ministries website.