Cholera is on the rise in Haiti.

Although vaccines exist and symptoms can be “easily treated,” according to the World Health Organization, cholera remains an insidious killer through dehydration in the developing world.

Contaminated water is one of the leading causes of childhood illness and the very high infant death rate in Haiti (57 for every 1000 births). People who live in areas with shortages of safe drinking water or inadequate sanitation are vulnerable to cholera, which can result from consuming bacteria-contaminated food or water.

This Giving Tuesday, you're invited to help get clean and safe drinking water to families in rural Haiti.

FOTCOH's WASH Program is ensures that families have access to water filters and hygiene education.

BIG NEWS! DONOR MATCH! Update on 11/29/22:

How the WASH program works:

Through the WASH Program, our goal is to distribute water filters to 600+ families annually. Each filter lasts for around 10 years. We also test household water quality, construct latrines, distribute more than 1,000 hygiene kits each year, and lead educational clinics in the community. Our interactive educational clinics teach children and adults proper handwashing techniques, safe food preparation methods, and daily dental hygiene practices. FOTCOH’s WASH Program also teaches Haitian families about safe water treatment, storage, and handling.

FOTCOH’s WASH Program also teaches Haitian families about safe water treatment, storage, and handling.

3 Ways to Help:

1. Make a donation: Our goal of $10,000 will ensure that we provide more water filters to families in rural Haiti. Our WASH team educates communities about proper hand washing and hygiene, water filtration, and helping to prevent the spread of diseases like Cholera. Make a gift today!
2. Share this page on your social networks! www.givebutter.com/weekofwash or click the social icons at the top of the page
3. Start a peer fundraiser by clicking the FUNDRAISE button on this page. Pick any goal, share your story, and become a Week of Wash hero!

A Message from our Executive Director, Nathan Ruby:

Thank you to our generous sponsor, First Mid Bank!

First Mid is community-focused organization that provides a full-suite of financial services including banking, wealth management, brokerage, Ag services, and insurance. Our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to our customers and communities and has done so over the last 157 years.

FOTCOH is a wonderful organization to support because of their continued dedication and commitment to the well-being of Haitians. Their mission aligns greatly with our company values at First Mid.

About FOTCOH

For nearly 30 years, Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH, pronounced “fot-co”) has provided healthcare and hope to the people of Haiti. FOTCOH provides year-round medical services as well as community education and hygiene programs in Cyvadier, Haiti. FOTCOH’s staff and devoted volunteers treat medical conditions including hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pregnancy, severe skin infections and burn injuries, as well as malnutrition in children. For more information, visit: www.fotcoh.org

WEEK OF WASH: Bring safe water to families in Haiti

By fotcoh

WEEK OF WASH: Bring safe water to families in Haiti

Support the WASH Program on Giving Tuesday to combat Cholera