2024 was incredible. At our Clinica Medica Hombro Hombro in San Jose, we were lucky enough to capture a photo of a symbol of hope after heavy rain– a beautiful rainbow landing right on the clinic roof. What a perfect symbol for the incredible year we’ve had.
Water For Care, Water For Life
In our comfortable lives we often take for granted that fresh, clean water is available with the turn of a tap in whatever temperature we desire. For years the clinic has had to provide medical and dental services to the rural community with running water for only 2 or 3 hours per day or even not at all, but this July that all changed with the installation of a new water storage system thanks to the combined efforts of board member Bill Molyneaux, members of the San Jose Health Committee, and generous donations from supporters like you. Now there is a reliable water source for the clinic to use and there was even enough water to support the personal needs of a group of 35 for two weeks during the most recent brigade! (I’m sure our brigade alumni can attest to what a gift that truly is). This new hybrid town and rain water storage system serves as a model for the rest of the community.
2024 Summary
We feel truly proud of what Shoulder to Shoulder has been able to accomplish this year.
- Dr. Tania, Dr. Lorena, and Nurse Veronica saw over 8000 clinic visits!
- Over 300 patients were seen for chronic care and maintenance of hypertension and diabetes.
- More kids joined the asthma treatment program and we’re now closing in on 12 years without an asthma related death!
- The “Mama Sana/Bebe Sana” first 1000 days feeding program has been a continued success, supplying 2 eggs per day for each mom and baby. More than 90 mothers participated with 0 growth stunting. This is a far cry from the near 60% growth stunting rate when Shoulder to Shoulder began its work 25 years ago.
- There has been an increase in preventative dental visits, especially for kids!
- Dr. Tania and Dr. Veronica continued their commitment to patient education. With the help of UPMC Shadyside FM Resident, Dr. Maggie Mass, we have nearly continuous patient education on a screen that was purchased by the Health Committee. Valuable information is shared while patients and family members wait for services at the clinic.
We Need Your Help. Join Us!
It’s truly a privilege to continue to witness the progress that is made every day due to the diligent work of Dr. Tania, Dr. Lorena, and the Health Committee. We are so grateful for the generosity of our donors that make it all possible. Want to help? Shoulder to Shoulder uses less than 1% of donations for administrative costs, so your donation goes directly to help improve health outcomes in rural Honduras.
- $20 provides eggs and education for one mom and baby for a year.
- $50 supports all medications for 13 patient visits.
- $100 supports preventative dental care for 20 kids!
- $250 provides 2 weeks of RN salary.
- $500 covers the “Mama Sana/Bebe Sana” program for an entire month.
Donations can be made by mailing checks to:
Shoulder to Shoulder Pittsburgh
1143 Saxonburg Blvd
Glenshaw PA 15116
Or through our website (please consider a sustaining monthly donation!)
Benefit Concert
Join A Brigade
Are you a resident or medical student that wants to join a brigade? Mark your calendars! The dates for the medical brigades to Honduras in 2025-2026 are:
Spring 2025: Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Friday, March 21, 2025
Fall 2025: Monday, October 6, 2025 – Sunday, October 19, 2025
Spring 2026: Monday, March 9, 2026 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
On behalf of the entire board of directors, clinic staff, and health committee, thank you for your support. May you have a blessed holiday and a happy and healthy new year. Sincerely,
PITTSBURGH BOARD MEMBERS
Mark Meyer, MD – President
N. Randall Kolb, MD – Vice President
Steve Heere, CPA – Treasurer
Vince Balestrino, MD – Secretary
Richard Wukich
C. Bernie Good, MD
Julie Swartzentruber
William Molyneaux
Cynthia Loughman, RN, CPHQ
Kyle Wetherald
Ana Carolina Aguilar, MD
Rebecca Garcia
Alex Garcia
Heather Lawrence, Admin Assistant
SAN JOSE HEALTH CARE STAFF
Tania Castillo, MD
Veronica Guevara Munoz, RN
Lorena Osorio, DMD
