"The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti is located 700 miles from the United States.  This is the country and people that the members of Forward in Health have embraced. This is the poverty Forward in Health has decided to stare down and do something about. " Dr. John Mulqueen

"The suffering of the people of Haiti cannot get any worse."  Conditions in Haiti cannot get any more desperate."  These were thoughts common to people who had traveled to Haiti.  However on January 12, 2010, the unthinkable happened.  A 7.0 magnitude earthquake lasting 40-60 seconds leveled much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.  Loss of life has been estimated at over 120,000, 200,000 injured, and over 1 million people displaced.

Forward in Health heard the need and the plea from our directors in Haiti, Lex and Renee Edme, who e-mailed the message, " Doctors and medical help is sooooooooooooo needed!  PLEASE COME!!!"  One week after the earthquake a medical team of 14 from Forward in Health landed in Haiti and began work spending 6 days just outside of Port-au-Prince.  One week later a second team of 11 did the same.

The acuity of the injured has lessened, but the health needs of the wounded will last for a generation.  The need for sustainable health care is more important than ever.  Adults and children with amputations, infected poorly healing wounds, infectious diseases, and malnutrition not to mention psychological wounds too deep to see, will require quality medical care.

Forward in Health has readied its' land.  The architectural plans are drawn.  The foundation for the first 1/3 of the building is in.  The urgency of our always stated goal has never been greater, "Health care for today, tomorrow, and a lifetime."