A Brief History

Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti opened in 1956 in Haiti’s Artibonite Valley, fulfilling the dreams of its founders, Dr. Larimer and Mrs. Gwen Grant Mellon to serve others with medical needs. Larry Mellon, who had left his family home in Pittsburgh as a young man to become a rancher in Arizona, became inspired by a 1947 Life magazine article about Albert Schweitzer and his hospital in Gabon, West Africa. Larry began a correspondence with Dr. Schweitzer, and with his encouragement, attended Tulane Medical School where he studied tropical medicine. While visiting Haiti to complete a malaria research project, Larry and Gwen discovered a setting for what would become their lives’ efforts.

The hospital opened as a 100-bed facility with diagnostic, clinical and surgical services. Over the years, it has expanded to include outreach and prevention programs, as well as services to strengthen household economies. From the hospital’s earliest days, the Mellons established the values and principles which led to its founding. These include Dr. Schweitzer’s philosophy of reverence for all living things; a sense of humility; respect for the dignity of the Haitian people; and a dedication to assisting those who are less fortunate improve their lives.

For more information, on the hospital, its history and projects, visit HAS's website.