One Year After

IMA commemorates the anniversary of the Haiti earthquake

One year ago, on January 12, 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked Port au Prince and the surrounding areas, killing hundreds of thousands of people. Over a million more were left homeless, hurting and in need.

Many organizations, including IMA World Health, have worked hard over the past year to meet basic needs, ease suffering, promote health and rebuild Haiti. (Read about IMA’s work in Haiti here.) Many lives have been saved and restored, and each victory brings hope.

Still, one year after, the needs remain dire and the challenges great. A million people still live in makeshift tent camps without access to clean water, sanitation, basic supplies and health care. An aggressive cholera outbreak is sickening and killing thousands.

Though it seems the world has forgotten about Haiti, we’re not giving up.

Our Commitment

IMA’s president and CEO Rick Santos was trapped for 55 hours beneath the rubble of the Hotel Montana with IMA colleagues Dr. Sarla Chand and Ann Varghese. Two friends, buried with them, lost their lives.

The harrowing experience and the loss, coupled with the extreme devastation that Haiti and its people suffered in the earthquake, led Mr. Santos to vow to help Haiti rebuild, “for as long as it takes.”

Observing the Anniversary

To commemorate the anniversary of the earthquake and remind the world of the plight of the Haitian people, IMA World Health is dedicating the month of January as a time of prayer for Haiti.

Church Day of Prayer

IMA is inviting churches all over the country to choose a day to lift up Haiti in prayer. Churches will be gathering at various times throughout the month to pray for Haiti, creating a continuous flow of prayer for a nation in desperate need of hope and healing.

Click here for more information on hosting a Day of Prayer with your church or organization.

IMA World Health Day of Prayer Event

On January 12, 2011, IMA will gather with friends, community members and local clergy at 4:00pm at Krug Chapel at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, MD, near IMA’s New Windsor headquarters to observe a time of prayer and remembrance for Haiti.

IMA’s Rick Santos will talk about the current situation in Haiti, while pastors and ministers from local churches will lead the time of prayer. All are welcome to attend.

Please remember the plight of the Haitian people and join IMA World Health in prayer this January to pray for healing, provision and prosperity for our neighbors in Haiti.