Overview - Global Health Projects
Thundermist opened a 2,500 square foot health center in the small rural town of Los Pinares, Honduras in the spring of 2007. Partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School, Thundermist has been able to increase the number of medical brigades to from 2/year to 6-8/year.
The health center was literally built by hundreds of townspeople of Los Pinares and the eight surrounding towns which use it. Staffed with a nurse five days a week, and a Doctor who travels to the health center one day per week, about 10-15 townspeople have been receiving care at the health center. When a brigade is in Los Pinares the patient count swells to 40 - 60 per day with the added medical personnel.
Thundermist partnered with the non-profit organization, Shoulder to Shoulder three years ago. Shoulder to Shoulder provides community health services in rural Honduras to people living in poverty since 1990. Thundermist has been participating in annual medical brigades for the past three years and opens the brigades up to any Thundermist staff member, board member or member of the RI health care community who feels that they have something to offer to the brigade, i.e. anyone with medical or dental expertise, anyone who speaks Spanish fluently, or anyone in social services or with a skill or talent which would benefit the community.
“At Thundermist, we use health care as a galvanizing point for the community. Access to health care is vital to the well being of both individuals and our communities.”
- Maria Montanaro, MSW, Thundermist President/CEO