Lauderdale Lakes, FL – On January 12, 2011 the students, staff and faculty at American Institute School of Health Careers spent the day remembering those who lost their lives, homes, family members, and friends in the horrific earthquake that struck Haiti one year ago.  

American Institute and the leadership group wrapped individual votive candles with the Haitian flag colors, red and blue, and attached to each candle a small note that included a message to honor all those who perished and who were affected by the January 12, 2010 event. 

The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic, and affected an estimated three million people.  The Haitian government reports that an estimated 230,000 people died, 300,000 were injured and 1,000,000 were rendered homeless. 

The votive candles were distributed to students, faculty and staff in remembrance of the events that occurred one year ago.  Richard McCulloch, Campus President of American Institute School of Health Careers said, “I am so proud of all the students for taking time to remember those who have been affected by this horrible tragedy.  Being located in South Florida means we have a large Haitian population both in our community and on our campus.  So when the earthquake hit, it hit all of us pretty hard.  We think about those affected by the terrible tragedy daily but it was important to mark the one year anniversary in a special way.   I continue to hope and pray for the safety and well being of the residents of Haiti.”

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute added, “As we watched the tragic events of January 12, 2010 play out on the television last year we were all horrified by the pain and suffering that we witnessed.  However, at the American Institute School of Health Careers campus, it was very personal as there is such a large Haitian population both on campus and in the surrounding community.  To many of us the devastation was images on a screen but to many at the Lauderdale Lakes campus of AI it was their homeland, their family members and their friends.  I applaud the School for taking the time to remember the events of last year, as they should never be far from our hearts and our minds.  In addition, I encourage all of them to use it as a learning experience.  As individuals training in health careers they should understand the need our global community has for their services, and for their training.”