As part of our mission, to improve health outcomes in San Jose del Negrito, the local health committee and Shoulder To Shoulder Pittsburgh (STS) board members identified the need for on-site housing of Honduran medical staff as a priority. To date, our doctor, nurse and dentist had been housed separately with local families within the town.
A meeting was held on site to discuss the issue during the Brigade in March 2011. Attending were the local health committee, staff and board members. It was determined that possibly the former pharmacy section of the original clinic may suffice. This overall area is approximately 25 ft. x 32 ft., and is adjacent to the women’s sleeping quarters. To this point, this section had been used for storage. The apartment would need an integral kitchen, bath and bedroom. An additional separate bedroom if possible could house additional staff. A local contractor was identified and asked to quote the project.
Our STS Pittsburgh board met in May, approving the work. Felix Molina, a San Jose resident was selected as the contractor. He utilizes local personnel and supplies during the process. Construction began in early fall, and was completed by Christmas. The unit has been fully utilized since January 2012.
The apartment is built within the original clinic, which is a concrete block/metal roof structure approximately 80 ft. x 32 ft. We have a functional kitchen and eating area approximately 10 ft. x 12 ft. adjoining an open multi-functional area that is 15 ft. x 15 ft. The bath is 8 ft. x 8 ft., inclusive is a ceramic tile shower with both cold and colder running water. Adjacent to the exterior door is the doctor’s bedroom, approximately 12 ft. x 12 ft. This B/R door and window are in line with the window above the kitchen sink, attempting to maximize cross ventilation. A second, smaller B/R – not open to the apartment, but into the brigade quarters allows privacy for both the doctor and the additional guest. All areas have lighting, a luxury in rural Central America. San Jose, as most of rural Honduras, has no electricity. Our entire facility is solar powered, with panels installed on the clinic roof powering batteries allowing 24/7/365 service. This also permits reliable communication via the internet.
None of this would be available without your support and generosity.
Muchas Gracias, Many Thanks.
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. 1 Corinthians 12:12