This award recognizes individuals and organizations who that provide exemplary disaster response services for highly vulnerable communities. In doing so, they accentuate the value of life and provide an exemplary model for us all.
On the morning of October 4, 2016, Hurricane Matthew slammed into Haiti with winds of 145 miles per hour – the first Category 4 storm to strike Haiti since 1964. Haitian Christian Mission’s Hopital Christ Pour Tous opened in 1981, was already in preparation mode. Immediately following the storm, Edwens Prophete, HCM CEO, and Angie Schuber, Chief Development Officer, made a rapid assessment of emergency needs. Clean water sources were flooded, and so a new well was dug and medical services for anticipated cholera treatment were implemented. Meanwhile, HCM’s ongoing CDC-recognized HIV care clinics, and HCM’s peanut butter nutritional assistance were continued. Through it all, medical director Dr. Deiunord prayed with his patients and reminded the entire Haitian staff, “Why we do what we do.”