Hôpital Albert Schweitzer
Haiti is where the son of an American banker, inspired by Dr. Albert Schweitzer's example, founded a hospital in his name.
William Larimer Mellon Jr, son of a famous oil and banking family in the USA, was married , the father of three children and a successful rancher when, aged thirty-seven, he read a LIFE magazine article about Dr. Albert Schweitzer's life and work and his philosophy of Reverence for Life. He was so inspired and impressed that he immediately wrote to Dr. Schweitzer. Thus began a life-long relationship and correspondence between the two men, which led to both Larry and his wife Gwendolyn entering the medical profession and establishing a hospital together in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world.
They both visited 'Le Grand Docteur' at Lambarene and he gave permission for his name to be used for their project.
There, in the region of Deschapelles, the "Hôpital Albert Schweitzer" (HAS) is now an outstanding humanitarian institution, bearing the words "Reverence for Life" above the main entrance. We have supported this hospital, all be it with relatively small annual donations, since 1995.
During the massive destruction in Haiti caused by the earthquake in 2010, HAS suffered only mild damage and was able to help as one of only very few functioning hospitals for many months. Now, with strong support from the Diaspora in Switzerland, a solar panel installation covering most of the extensive roofs of the hospital buildings has just been completed and renders the hospital entirely energy self sufficient. You can find more information at hashaiti.org