Our Programs
Health Care Collaborative
Meeting basic healthcare and dental needs
In partnership with local health centers, SELF provides periodic healthcare collaboratives to our communities. As with all of our programs, SELF is careful to operate within local law and standards of care, as directed by the Honduran Ministry of Health. SELF works closely with both the municipality, the local health center, and the local Secretary of Health.
The Process
How does it work? Teams of international volunteers and Honduran staff work together to provide healthcare and dental services to hundreds of Honduran families. Our SELF-trained health collaborative volunteer committees work with us to inform and organize the town so they are ready for the busy clinic days. When SELF is not directly providing medical services in the community, the local health center is their resource. SELF donates thousands of dollars of medications to these local health centers, as well.
Dental
Many families have little or no access to dental care in rural Honduras. SELF provides education, evaluations, cleanings, extractions, as well as preventative treatments including fluoride applications and sealants for kids. Every patient walks away from our dental services with a new toothbrush and toothpaste. We are currently fundraising to purchase a portable dental unit to provide restorative treatments such as fillings.
Soy Yo (Women's Health)
Cervical cancer is the number one cause of cancer mortality for women in Honduras. The most unfortunate thing is that cervical cancer is completely preventable. Our Soy Yo Women’s Health Program works to provide essential preventative healthcare for women with education and pap smears, as well as the follow-up and treatment needed for patients with abnormal results.
Geriatrics
Our beloved “viejitos” or seniors are often not able to make it to the local school where the health collaborative takes place. SELF volunteers and Honduran staff pack up backpacks of medications and supplies and hike to their individual homes to provide assessments via home visits. Family members are involved in these visits and educated regarding the patient’s medical needs and proper uses of their medications.
The need for healthcare in rural Honduras
In rural Honduras, families often live on just a few dollars a day. Our community members have limited access to clean water, and the nearest health center may be far away with families having to wait for hours to be seen. With the focus on critical needs such as food and clean water, preventative healthcare is unfortunately often not a priority. SELF works with local health centers and community members to provide education, healthcare and dental needs to support healthy individuals and healthy communities.
You can make a difference
SELF helps hundreds of children and families, and they depend on the generosity of supporters like you. Each and every donation makes a difference.