Transfiguration has been working with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in La Ceiba, Honduras for 3 years. In addition to the normal work of the parish they also have a stand-alone concrete block medical clinic located about 3 miles form the church in a section called Barrio Suyapa.

 

The clinic building is in good condition, has 3 examining rooms, a dental room, a pharmacy, reception area and running water and electricity. However, since the US doctor went back to the states in July 2005, the clinic has been closed, because the church does not have the money to hire a doctor, buy meds, etc.

 

There are over 8,000 persons living in Barrio Suyapa, most very poor. There are many children and to get medical treatment the people either have to walk, take the bus or a taxi to the public hospital or a private physician. Individual resources are almost nil, and many cannot afford either the doctors fee or the cost of any medicines prescribed.

 

In addition, general health/sanitary conditions among the people, especially the children are at best marginal.

 

La Ceiba is a city of around 150,000. There is one public hospital and a good number of private physicians. However the cost of seeing the doctor and getting any prescribed meds is very high, to the point that most people go without needed treatment. The level of competence among the health professionals is poor.

 

Transfiguration has brought US doctors and nurses to the clinic fori the past two years and reopened the clinic for one week. This February our four doctors saw more than 800 patients....with many more who lined up for treatment that couldn't be seen.

 

These conditions moved me and others to the point where I vowed to do my best to reopen the clinic, including hiring a Honduran doctor, a nurse, supplying medicines and supplies. Although the clinic is a part of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, it will be operated independently, and open to all who are in need.

 

During the last year the US doctor was in residence she saw about 10,000 patients...so the need is great and urgent.

 

I am in the process of setting up a nonprofit so any contributions will be tax deductible. In the meantime, individuals are donating through Transfiguration

 

In addition to direct medical care there is a big need for public health type of education, i.e., washing hands, toilet sanitation, Aid's, etc., which should significantly cut down the incidence of repeat sickness among the people.

 

We have talked with a very competent Honduran doctor and as soon as we have the needed funds to open for the first year he is ready to start to work. We have estimated an annual budget of $35,000 per year or  $100,000 to operate for the first 3 years.

 

This small project can truly be one that changes and saves lives among those who are less fortunate than we are. I am involved because I have seen the needs and what can be done with just a little help. That's when I thought back to what Isaiah said, "..and whom shall I send, and who will go for us, and I said here I am send me!"...so here I am