ABOUT US : HISTORY
Established in 1996 within the prestigious Boston Medical Center (BMC), the Haitian Health Institute, Inc (HHI) is the embodiment of a noble vision forged by its original visionaries.- Michele David, Thea James, Jean-Robert Larieux, Nicole Prudent, and a cohort of dedicated physicians. These compassionate pioneers, hailing from diverse medical specialties such as pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and emergency medicine, shared a resolute commitment to rectify the healthcare disparities experienced by the Haitian community living in Massachusetts. The core objective that galvanized their collective effort was to bridge the gap and enhance the accessibility of culturally competent healthcare services for the Haitian population.
From its inception, HHI embarked on an unwavering mission to facilitate medical care that resonates with the rich intricate fabric of Haitian culture. Over the years, it has grown into a beacon of hope and a trusted source of healthcare for the Haitian diaspora. The institute’s collaborative approach, bolstered by the dedication of its founding physicians and a multitude of passionate healthcare professionals, has seen it evolve into a mentoring and practicum placement for students interested in biomedical careers and in advancing public health in Haiti. HHI’s commitment to cultural competence, inclusivity, and outreach remains at the heart of its endeavors, embodying the belief that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare irrespective of their background.
With the passage of time, the Haitian Health Institute, Inc continued to strengthen its ties with the Haitian community. This commitment goes beyond traditional healthcare, encompassing health education, outreach, and community engagement programs. The legacy of HHI’s founders lives on as the institute tirelessly strives to uphold the values of equity and compassionate care, ensuring that the Haitian community receives the healthcare they deserve in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner.
Responding to Community Needs
Working as physicians at BMC, HHI members were active in promoting maternal and child health: reproductive health, including family planning, prenatal care, breastfeeding, and breast cancer prevention; engaged in federally funded campaigns to prevent teen pregnancy/STI prevention; worked on the front lines of the struggle against HIV/AIDS in the community; participated in the creation of family support and case management programs for children with developmental disability; initiated after-school and summer programs to promote school success; and established positive youth development activities including programs in instrumental music, dance, choir, and martial arts. Youth were also engaged in family health promotion via broadcast and print media. HHI networked with the Haitian Pediatric Society to introduce Timon An Nou Li (“Children Let’s Read”), the Haitian Creole version of the child literacy promotion program Reach Out and Read. In October 2020, HHI was established as an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization to develop and deploy community health literacy programs and build support for vulnerable populations.
