Terror and fear still grip people a year after the earthquake.  The disaster and the devastation that followed carried a tremendous toll on the mental health of all involved.  Prior to the earthquake Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city with over four million people, had only one hospital that could care for 100 patients for mental health.  In addition to the lack of resources, many stigmas are attached to mental health in the Haitian culture that prevent people from receiving care.

Philippe Eduord decided to leave his stable position as teacher of French in Santiago, Dominican Republic and assist his countrymen in Port-au-Prince. With the aid of G.O. Ministries, Philippe has established a clinic accepting clients with mental health issues related to the earthquake.  Philippe says the biggest obstacle to people’s recovery is that society sees no value in the aspect of mental health.  “Haitians are used to living in the streets and are always in mode of survival.  Why should Haitians care about mental health if they cannot eat?”