The 12th Anniversary of Haiti's 2010 Earthquake

Twelve years ago today at 4:53 PM, a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck outside Port-au-Prince. In just 30 seconds, Haiti changed forever; the disaster left over half a million people dead or seriously injured, and no one went untouched by the tragedy. 

The pain of 2010 is especially acute for us today as we continue to care for survivors of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Haiti in August. 

However, the lessons we learned from that heartbreak are allowing us to provide advanced care to thousands of patients—to survivors of both earthquakes, and to people suffering from other spinal cord or orthopedic injuries.

If any good has been born of our collective tragedy, it is that we now have the ability to help so many patients rebuild their lives after unimaginable loss.

Together with supporters like you and others around the world, we’re helping thousands of survivors to heal. And we’re ensuring that no one goes without the quality health services they need and deserve.

Thank you for joining your heart with HEI and the people of Haiti today and every day. You make everything we do possible. 

Kenbe fèm,

Dr. Inobert Pierre

Director General
Health Equity International/St. Boniface Hospital

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A Haitian man carries a woman across a field. The woman has his arm around his neck and has a bandage on her foot. A helicopter stands in the background.

Fabian arrives at SBH for emergency surgery to treat her spinal cord injury in the wake of the 2010 earthquake.

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Patient being carried on a stretcher from a helicopter towards the St. Boniface hospital.

Image © Nadia Todres

Patient Dorval Wilson was flown to SBH for emergency orthopedic surgery on his broken leg in the wake of the August 14, 2021 earthquake in southern Haiti.