About us
For more than 35 years, Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) has provided compassionate, reliable health care to underserved communities with doctors, nurses, and staff at the clinic every week.
Donate NowWho We Are
In rural Haiti, reliable health care can be hard to reach. FOTCOH exists to change that.
For decades, Friends of the Children of Haiti has provided consistent medical care to communities near Cyvadier, growing from a volunteer effort into a sustainable health care organization led by Haitian medical professionals and grounded in deep community trust. Through political instability, natural disasters, and public health crises, FOTCOH has stayed—continuing to serve when care is needed most.
Our Leadership
In Haiti
FOTCOH’s future is rooted in Haitian leadership. Day-to-day care is led by a highly trained Haitian medical and operational team, including a Country Director, Medical Director, and Assistant Coordinator. Their leadership builds trust, ensures continuity of care, and strengthens the organization’s ability to serve patients, even when outside travel to Haiti is limited.
Meet the Haitian TeamIn the U.S.
The U.S. team supports fundraising, governance, donor communication, and long-term planning. Volunteer Program Advisors also bring professional expertise in areas like women’s health, dental care, surgery, and pharmacy. Advisors share best practices and standards for their fields, while Haitian staff determine what’s achievable at the clinic. Together, they develop practical approaches that strengthen care while meeting the needs and realities of the communities served.
Meet the U.S. TeamAccountability & Transparency
FOTCOH is committed to using donor support responsibly, efficiently, and transparently. The organization maintains strong financial oversight through collaboration between Haitian and U.S. leadership, active board governance, and publicly available financial reporting.
FOTCOH is proud to be recognized by respected nonprofit evaluation organizations, including a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, a Gold rating from Candid, as well as recognition from Great Nonprofits.
Our Story
Friends of the Children of Haiti was founded by Dick and Barb Hammond after years of serving communities in Haiti and witnessing the urgent need for consistent health care access. What began with volunteer trips in 1980 became a nonprofit, incorporated in 1991, rooted in the belief that health care should be accessible and sustainable.
In 2001, FOTCOH completed its clinic in Cyvadier, creating a permanent home for ongoing care. Over time, the organization expanded beyond urgent medical treatment to include women’s health, dental care, surgery, vision care, pharmacy services, and community health initiatives focused on clean water and hygiene.
Co-founder Dick Hammond passed away in March 2026. The organization continues to honor his legacy by carrying forward the mission he and Barb began: providing reliable, compassionate care for communities with limited access to health care. While the organization honors the people and history that shaped its work, its focus remains on the future: expanding access to high-quality care, strengthening local leadership, and serving rural communities for generations to come.
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