Hundreds of Haitian-creole-speaking residents received medical health care from an international traveling health clinic. Health Care Ministries, also known as HCM is a group of volunteers mainly situated in New York, who work together to provide free medical care to those in the Haitian Diaspora as well as any other person in need. This non-profit organization is made up of mainly Haitians and individuals of Haitian descent and they began health mission efforts in 2010 when they visited Haiti when the country was affected by the earthquake.

As the group grew, they extended their travels to other countries. Founder and president of HCM, Dr. Daniel Mondesir, shared the group had to diversify its destinations to reach more persons in the Haitian Diaspora. Mondesir also took into consideration the safety of the volunteers, as some individuals also travel with their children. 

Mondesir said, "We decided, since we cannot go to our homeland to help our own people, but they are spreading all over the world, and they are still suffering. We decided that until our homeland gets better we are going to help those who are in need in other places, where it is less dangerous and more safer for us to be." 

This year, the group traveled to The Bahamas and after receiving great assistance from Pastor Wilson Isnord and the Creole-speaking churches in Nassau, were able to conduct three clinics from February 19th-23rd, 2024. The first clinic was held at the Francophone church, the second at Bethel, and the final clinic was held at the Ebenezer church.  Each day, the group was able to set up in the churches and provide health checkups, medicine, and lectures. They also donated food and clothing to persons in the community. 

Mondesir continued, "During this clinic we just don't give medication, we also do lectures, we educate the people. Giving them is one thing, showing them how to do, how to take care of themselves, is another thing."

Health volunteers from the local churches were also present to assist their community. According to Ebenezer church volunteer, 19-year-old Jerry Anasis, health clinics such as HCM are important as they help those who are disenfranchised, which is part of the Christian’s duty. 

Anasis said, "Basically what were going here is providing people with esentially a free check-up with trained professionals, becasue maybe poeple don't have the time, or they dont have the money. So this is just one of our ways of giving back to the community to were just also doing God's work by helping people." 

As the group travels every year to different territories, they are always looking for volunteers and individuals who can assist in other means. The important thing, Mondesir shared, is to reach as many people as they can.


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