How You Helped Those in Nicaragua Devastated By Nate

In the spirit of Thanksgiving…

Thank YOU for allowing us to say “Yes”…

We said “YES” to hundreds of families in the area who desperately asked for our support after Hurricane Nate devastated the region last month. Though there was little attention in the international news, many families lost their homes and all their belongings in the historic flooding. Today, several weeks later – thanks to your support – we are able to share with you uplifting news about the progress we have made and the help we have been able to provide to those who lost everything.

Thanks to your donations, members of the Tola region communities continue to benefit from opportunities to learn, stay healthy, grow and excel – even after the immense challenges they recently experienced. It is in these times – more so than ever – that people need the strength and comfort of the Roberto Clemente Health Clinic’s important services to overcome their hardship. Thank you for allowing us to do just that!

Our Clinic was completely flooded on October 5 due to the heavy rain. Once the cleaning efforts of our whole team were completed, the Clinic opened its doors as usual and the arduous but highly rewarding work began.

The medical staff on duty stayed at the Clinic for two consecutive days, offering medical attention when roads, fields and houses were underwater and the entire region had no electricity. Clean water became the No. 1 priority, as wells were contaminated by the floods everywhere.

Our battery backup system powered down after two days of continuous running, so we hooked up the generator. We were able to run our water purification system and fill up hundreds of large water bottles for distribution. Despite the complex situation, our care for the community never stopped. It was critical that we provide purified water to devastated families of the rural, hard-to-reach communities.

Our team organized medical brigades that went out on muddy backroads and through rivers to these flooded communities, providing medical attention, clean water and clothing. The destruction on the roads and the substantial amount of mud did not prevent our Clinic team from reaching those in need – thanks to our off-road ambulance and a truck. Our team’s focus was always to assist people who were severely affected by the floods. As the obstacles multiplied, our team’s spirit strengthened. Our local partners sent reinforcements for the medical brigades, and we started receiving monetary donations from donors like you.

The immediate provision of purified water, medicines and food prevented further damage to the life and health of people affected by the storm. After two uninterrupted weeks of medical brigades, water distribution and reconstruction of the destroyed organic gardens, the hope for better days for these deserving Nicaraguans has started to grow.

All these efforts could not have been possible without your contribution, the incessant work of our Clinic staff, local and international volunteers, and partners such as Rancho Santana, American Nicaraguan Foundation, La Maestra Suprema Ching Hai, Fundación Generación de Cambio,
Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentación and Princess Pillowcase Project.

 

(Left to right) President and CEO Dr. José Mosquera; pediatrician Dr. Toruño; Chair of the Board Julia Guth; board member Jim Lanning; and President and CEO of Pass LLC Daniel Puls.

For 2018, we’re working to buy the new X-ray machine and expand our facility. We desperately need to expand our services to the community. We urgently need to intensify our prevention programs, fortify sustainable community development programs, such as the Diabetics Club, and continue our medical training.

Together, we are making a difference in the lives of thousands of Nicaraguans.