Much of the vitality of Forward in Health comes from our relationship with high school and college students. From the beginning Forward in Health has welcomed students 16 years of age and over to accompany us on medical and non-medical cultural exchange trips. The energy, maturity, and empathy exhibited by the students has provided inspiration to all of us.

Many students leave as teenagers and return as young adults with a new view on priorities and a focus on their future. We are proud that most students want to return to Haiti with Forward in Health. In addition the trips to Haiti have inspired careers in nursing and journalism.

Forward in Health has developed a close relationship with Gardner High School. Gardner High has a Haiti Club under the guidance of FIH board member John Gardella, a high school history teacher. The club has provided information to students about the conditions in Haiti. In addition they have supported the FIH 5K fundraiser as well as run their own fundraisers to benefit FIH. Gardner High students have raised enough money to name the waiting area in our future clinic the Gardner High Waiting Area.

Overall we are proud of our relationship with our high school and college students. This has proven to be a mutually beneficial relationship. We are confident that we return young adults to their schools better able to help themselves and their communities. For further information on student trips to Haiti, please contact Mike Metzmaker at metzmn6@gmail.com.

"First hand account of the student's experience can be found on our newsroom page"

Our daughter Lauren went to Haiti in April with Forward in Health. In preparing we had a cautious anticipation of how a mission to Haiti would change our daughter. In fact Lauren learned that making a commitment and going to a poverty stricken country can help you prepare for a life long lesson in helping people. After participating in the trip her
enthusiasm became apparent when she decided to join a volunteer club at her college to
help the community. Once you have the positive satisfaction of helping others it seems
you just can't stop. We knew Haiti was special when you hear her stories or look at pictures of the trip. The Haitian peoples' appreciation has given her a reason to get involved and help others that never would have never happened if she had not had the Forward in Health experience.

Thanks for the successful trip
Keith and Theresa Dembek