Pictured, from left, are Emily Kemerly (Fort Wayne), Ashley Stills (Warsaw), Melissa Hughes (Warsaw) and Dan Murphy (Warsaw).

WARSAW — On Saturday, July 15, Ashley Stills of Warsaw, along with three other dedicated supporters tandem skydived in Rochelle, Illinois to raise money to build a birthing center in Dèsarmes, Haiti. Stills is the founder and leader of Breath of Life Haiti; a 501(c)3 not for profit organization with a mission to empower the people of Haiti through education; while fighting maternal and infant mortality by providing midwifery care and sharing the love of Christ.

With a population of 10 million, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Due to geographic remoteness and socioeconomic status, many mothers in Haiti do not receive the care they require. In fact, only about 25 percent of births in Haiti are attended by a skilled provider.

As a result, Haiti is the most dangerous country in the Western Hemisphere to give birth. Most of these maternal deaths are caused by eclampsia, sepsis, and postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding). In other words, most of these deaths are preventable. Haiti also has the highest rates of infant and under-five mortality in the Western Hemisphere. Children who have lost their mothers are up to 10 times more likely to die prematurely than those who have not.

The birthing center will be the location where women can find medical care and support, education, safe and sanitary conditions and respect for them and their babies in a safe environment. Together the group was able to raise $3,270 towards the future birthing center.

To learn more information about Breath of Life Haiti’s mission, visit: breathoflifehaiti.com