Summary

Key program components

Health Program: Made up of the Padre Carollo Hospital, “A Song for Life” provides primary and secondary medical attention. It provides support for the state’s health program south of Quito for referred patients. The prices are highly discounted ($5/USD for a basic consultation) and are provided free-of-charge for patients who have no means of paying. This system sustains itself financially through projects, donations, self-help and alliances with social insurance provided by the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) and with various other insurance organizations.

Social Protection Program: Provides integrated social protection services through primary health services, prevention and training. The services provided by “Community Health” are carried out via Mobile Units which provide medical attention and dentistry in the poorest neighborhoods south of Quito; it covers 14 neighborhoods every day and is staffed by a medical and dentistry team of 6 individuals. In addition, they work with other 50 health and education community promoters which provide voluntary medical support in the neighborhoods as well as provide trainings and workshops to various groups. The program provides additional projects, including “CODIC (Community-Handicapped-Caretaker)”. Each week a doctor and nurse conduct home visits for handicapped individuals and the elderly to prevent and treat illnesses including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Youth in Action: focuses on pregnancy prevention, self-esteem, and leadership. It operates in its own space, "Family House," which provides housing to pregnant youth and provides them with emotional support, prenatal care, workshops and trainings.

Entrepreneurs Women: is directed towards health promoters as a form of repayment for their volunteer work. It consists of dispersing micro-credit and training based on community banking with savings methodologies. The program currently consists of three groups of women who have demonstrated success with their small business.

International Medical Brigades: thanks to an agreement with the TIMMY Foundation, approximately 5 brigades staffed by foreign volunteers who provide in-home healthcare. Each brigade is assigned 80 consultations, and in addition they provide medications. In addition, the brigades assist in cases with hip replacements, harelip operations, and other complex surgeries.

Education Program: Relies on two daycare facilities for poor children where integrated attention can be provided to them, including health and family services, and support for handicapped children. This system supports the “Specialized Center for Children with Handicaps ‘El Niño,’” which attends special children with several levels of education.