As we shift from 2021 to the new year, I want to thank all our supporters, Haitian staff, and the Haitian communities with whom HAM works for, together, overcoming the challenges we faced in Haiti over past year. It was an impressive feat to keep Healing Art Missions healthcare, clean water, and education programs operating, and in some cases expanding, despite many obstacles.
Click on the right of the image to see a images of a few key moments for HAM in 2021
In addition to our ongoing programs, HAM responded to the August 14th a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Haiti’s south-west peninsula with the help of a grant from Together Rising. Dr. Jacques partnered with Haitian colleagues (general surgeons, orthopedic specialists, various professionals, and medical institutions near the epicenter) to mount an immediate medical response, performing over 152 surgical procedures in six weeks and continuing with post-op care through November. This project was a perfect example of HAM’s philosophy of providing resources to our Haitian partners and allowing them to plan and manage the solutions; who better to access local resources, utilize the strengths of available professionals, and be sensitive to the customs of the communities they are serving.
Now that it is January 1, 2022, we must fully turn our focus to what is ahead for the Haitian people. Our U.S. leadership team must work to strengthen the HAM organization, while continuing to raise the necessary funds and provide accountability and transparency, to meet the needs of our partner communities in Haiti. We plan to hire a paid Executive Director sometime in 2022 to take over the day-to-day administrative and fundraising duties from myself, Founding Director Dr. Tracee Laing, and Director of Operations, Paul Hammond, both of us volunteers. Please note that both myself and Paul will remain on HAM’s Board of Governance as long as we are able.
The challenging question we face as we move forward into the new year, is a question to which no one truly knows the answer. What will 2022 bring to Haiti? Will it bring deepening socio-political instability, opposing gangs controlling more and more communities, ongoing violence in the streets and more kidnappings? While it is impossible to see forward through the fog of Haiti’s current status, I remain optimistic beyond just hope. Such optimism comes from seeing what HAM’s Haitian staff have accomplished over the years, from the successful earthquake response Dr. Jacques and his medical colleagues mounted, and from knowing the determination and will of the Haitians we work with as they address the needs of their own communities. And last but not least, optimism from the ongoing support HAM continues to receive from all of our partners and donors who continue to step up when most needed.
Stepping into a new year of unknowns is so much less daunting when one is surrounded by so many others who share and support one’s belief that change can happen. Thank you all!
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2022!
Dr. Tracee Laing, Founding Director