In 2007, Myrlande Affriany RN, organized and led AWI's first all volunteer medical team down to Haiti. A native of Jacmel, Myrlande had lived and worked most her life in the United States. Still, she never lost the love or desire to return to help the people of her home country.
On that first mission, Myrlande and our teams discovered the health care needs of the Haitian people were more critical than even she could have predicted.
Many of the men, women and children who presented in clinic had never been exposed to modern medicine at all, and had relied solely on local remedies. Many of the children had never seen a doctor. Most babies had never had prenatal care, and few had been vaccinated against routine childhood illnesses.
Many adults had been living for years with life-threatening chronic conditions that had never been treated. It was quickly apparent to Myrlande that "primary care" in Haiti would include diagnosing and treating HIV, TB, malaria, typhoid, parasites, dysentery, dehydration, severe malnutrition (starvation) and more.
After that first medical mission, Myrlande began leading teams of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals down to Jacmel every quarter. Patients would be waiting in long lines for AWI when we arrived at clinic. The teams often worked late into the evening caring for more than 100 patients per day. Many nights, team members would be awakened with urgent requests to tend to especially sick villagers that needed immediate care.
Each time Myrlande left Haiti, it was with an increased "life and death" urgency to return again. Each time, her hopes, concerns and plans for what AWI would need to accomplish on the next trip grew. Fortunately, many who accompanied her on these missions shared her passionate vision. Thanks to their support, as well as the financial support of others, Angel Wings International continued to grow.
Since the earthquake of January 12, 2010, AWI has led multiple and complex teams of medical, logistics and construction professionals into the country.
In addition to medical care, health teaching and humanitarian earthquake relief, we are currently planning a new clinical facility in Jacmel as we expand our clinic operations in the area.
We cannot accomplish our goals for the people of Haiti without the help of individuals like you. Your vision, your talents, and your commitment to make a difference are urgently needed. Join us today…
