Heart to Heart International, Inc.

During a crisis, Heart to Heart Int. works closely with its local charities and NGOs to ensure the aid given will be of real benefit to those affected by the crisis. Assessment of the situation continues throughout the response period to ensure that the help being offered is commensurate with the need. HHI continues to assist people in the affected area until their local healthcare system is functioning at or near, pre-crisis capacity. Because of a 25 year partnership with FedEx, HHI can provide rapid deployment of medical supplies, medicines and hygiene kits to affected areas. For disasters within the US, HHI can deploy its Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), which serves as a clinic on wheels where healthcare providers can see patients in a professional, well-equipped and well-stocked setting. Disaster response is only part of the story, however; HHI must always be prepared for the next disaster. That means that stocks of medical supplies and medicines and Care Kits must be replenished.

The Safety Net Engagement Program seeks to expand and increase the capacity of local safety net agencies such as community clinics and homeless shelters by delivering high-quality medical equipment, supplies, and medications for nominal fees. By providing products at extremely low costs, safety net agencies are able to operate with increased budget capacity. Heart to Heart's Community Outreach programs take place through community health events that seek to screen high-risk populations for chronic diseases, and connect them to safety net providers in their area.

Normally, Heart to Heart's disaster response ends when the local healthcare system regains its previous standard; however, in Haiti, there was little healthcare infrastructure in place prior to the earthquake. HHI decided to stay to help rebuild the local healthcare infrastructure and support community development. Since January 2010, HHI has been working in Haiti on an expanded version of the HHI model, assisting local people, charities and other NGOs.Currently, Heart to Heart Haiti works in eleven clinics, primarily in the southeast part of the country, which is very rural and remote. The clinics are only open part time because of the remoteness of the location and the lack of available medical personnel. When the clinics are open, people will walk for hours over very rough terrain to see a doctor. Heart to Heart employs Haitian doctors, nurses and community health trainers, but also uses medical and other volunteers from the US and around the world, to accomplish its mission.