A Truly Unique Organization PDF Print E-mail

acamcouncil.jpgUNIQUE FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

What is different about this project is that it is owned, run and staffed by indigenous midwives and Maya leaders. They conceived it and direction of the project has been determined locally in response to the perceived cultural, physical, and spiritual needs of the community.  The midwives have determined what is needed to improve the health of their community. They were directly involved in the purchase of land and construction materials to eliminate the middleman and thus save money.  They have taken on the responsibility of interfacing with dignitaries and arranging for local officials to use the meeting room for community meetings. Government officials have recognized the center as a model for delivering maternity and primary care services in the community.  It is also unique in that it integrates environmental issues with health care issues: the health of the earth is necessary for the health of its children.

SUSTAINABILITY

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This project is feasible because of the long-term commitment of the directors, the ACAM midwives, and a broad base of supporters in North America who have provided material and technical support.  The infrastructure is in place, the building is owned outright, basic systems are in place, and the potential for a functioning lab and for a dental area exists.  A van has already been donated for outreach and emergency transport.  Relationships are being forged with local health officers, physicians, hospitals, and local development groups.  The center has taken a leadership role in the community in addressing environmental issues.  ACAM has already responded to the crisis generated by Hurricane Stan by going into the hardest hit communities to provide both medicines and Maya ceremonies.  With continued funding it should be possible to have a highly functioning, culturally appropriate, coordinated system for maternity and primary health care in this community which could serve as a model to other
communities with similar challenges.

 
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