|
|
Project Hummingbird
Once upon a time there was a great fire in
the jungle and all the animals were desperately running to save themselves.
Meanwhile a Hummingbird was dipping into the river, filling his beak with water,
flying over the blazing inferno, and dropping the water on the fire, While the Hummingbird was repeating this
cycle, the rest of the animals were running. An elephant, having observed this pattern,
asked, The Hummingbird responded, "I know that I cannot extinguish the five, but I am doing my part." Background
In
December 2001, Clinica Esperanza y Caridad held a medical clinic in the Porvenir
community. Twenty Papanicolaou tests were taken and, surprisingly, all the
results were abnormal. While some women had infections or inflammatory changes,
four of the women (20%) had cancerous cells found. After
that experience, God confirmed in our hearts the plan to work for the betterment
of Women's Health. In our society, to work for the advantage of women has a
special meaning, many of these women are the heads of the family, are single
parents, and must work outside of the home. How will Project Hummingbird work?
1.
Visitations to poor neighborhoods and rural
communities by clinic personnel. 2. Contact with community leaders, community councils, and
churches. 3.
Talks in conjunction with the provincial Public Health
Department and community leaders. 4.
Identification of women who could use Women's
Health services. 5.
Appointments for Papanicolaou tests. 6.
Free gynecologic consultation when indicated by test results or
clinical examination. 7.
Patient care fund to pay for medications for those women who
cannot afford treatment. 8.
Referral for further care when necessary. Notes: The cost for
Clinica Esperanza y Caridad to perform a
Papanicolaou is about 25 Dominican pesos (RD$$) (about US$ 1.50). This charge
will be partially or totally waived for those women who cannot afford it. The
Clinic will arrange transportation from distant neighborhoods or rural
communities, What are the desired outcomes of Project
Hummingbird?
Education
*
Inform 2,000 families about the importance of Women's Health. *
Teach mothers and daughters the simple techniques for their intimate
personal care, *
Stress the importance of Papanicolaou tests for women. *
Emphasize the Dominican recommendation that women have a Papanicolaou
test every six months. Health Care
*
Provide Papanicolaou tests for 1,000 women. *
Provide follow-up care for those women who need it. * Refer women with problems requiring sub-specialist care to those who can care for them Cost of the Project
RD$100,000 (about
US$6,000) over 12 months. How can you be a part of Project Hummingbird?*
Become a partner by buying a Hummingbird Bond. *
Hummingbird Bonds have values of RD$500 and RD$1,000 (values of 'US$ 30
and 60)
What will you receive as
a Project Hummingbird Partner?
*
A certificate and button identifying you as a Project Hummingbird
Partner.
* Biannual reports of Project Hummingbird's progress.
* Satisfaction in doing your part, just as the Hummingbird did against the
fire Clinica Esperanza y Caridad is a ministry of La
Iglesia Episcopal Dominicana and has been offering quality medical services to
the poor and the needy since 1998 Telephone : (809) 529-0330 |
