How Health Outreach Began
Health Outreach is an incorporated, charitable, not-for-profit organization that started when its founding member Dr Lee, while on vacation in Ecuador, noticed poor pediatric health among the children of South America. This inspired Dr Lee to gather colleagues and resources to make a difference by providing health services to impoverished people in remote areas of developing countries with the goal of enhancing lives.
Temporary Humanitarian Clinics
The organization now consists of a small group of health care providers who are dedicated to overseas charity projects. They respond to people around the world who don’t have access to, or the opportunity for quality healthcare. Each year doctors, nurses, dentists, and hygienists abandon their comfortable Canadian clinics to help others in different areas around the globe with temporary humanitarian clinics. Projects run typically for 1-2 weeks with volunteers giving what they can of their time and skills.
Responsible Use of Funds
The organization has a proud history of strategically utilizing resources. There are no paid staff members. That means that most of the funds donated to the organization goes straight to helping ones in need. Over the years medical and dental equipment as well as school supplies and clothing have been donated, which has also kept costs lower. Health Outreach is always careful to keep operating costs low so that others in need benefit more fully from the resources available.
Erbsville Dental
Health Outreach Website BIo: “Dr. Mathews of Erbsville Dental has participated in seven missions in three different provinces in Guatemala” and is also looking forward to the next trip. “He is part of the dental team in the organization, responsible for funding, and execution of missions.”
We are always looking to create awareness of this beautiful organization that wants to grow and help more people. Anyone can donate to Health Outreach, volunteer, or apply to become a member and potentially participate in future humanitarian projects. Donate or apply here.
You can learn more about Health Outreach at their website healthoutreach.world or click on their social links below.
Did You Know?
Did you know? Lack of access to health and dental care in developing countries can be attributed to a combination of social, economic, political, and systemic factors. Here are some key reasons.
- Poverty and Limited Resources. Many developing countries struggle with high levels of poverty, which limits individuals’ ability to afford essential healthcare services. Limited government funding and resources often lead to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient medical supplies, and a shortage of healthcare professionals.
- Uneven Distribution of Resources. Healthcare facilities and services are often concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations with limited access to care. This urban-rural divide can create disparities in healthcare availability and quality.
- Lack of Education and Awareness. In some cases, people may not be aware of the importance of preventive care or the availability of healthcare services. Lack of education and health literacy can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment.
- Inadequate Infrastructure. Many developing countries lack the necessary infrastructure, such as roads and transportation systems, to connect remote communities with healthcare facilities. This can make it difficult for people to reach medical centers when needed.
- Healthcare Workforce Shortages. Developing countries often face shortages of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals due to factors such as emigration, inadequate training, and a lack of incentives to work in underserved areas.
- Political and Governance Issues. Political instability, corruption, and poor governance can hinder the allocation of resources to healthcare. This can result in mismanagement of funds and an inability to implement effective healthcare policies.
- High Disease Burden. Developing countries often face a higher burden of communicable diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Addressing these diseases requires significant resources and can divert attention and funding from other aspects of healthcare.
- Lack of Insurance and Financing Mechanisms. Many people in developing countries lack access to health insurance or social safety nets that could help cover the costs of medical care. This leaves them vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses.
- Cultural and Social Factors. Cultural beliefs and practices can influence healthcare-seeking behaviors. In some cases, traditional healing methods may be preferred over modern medical treatments, leading to delays in seeking appropriate care.
- Global Health Disparities. Global disparities in funding and support for healthcare initiatives can exacerbate the challenges faced by developing countries, limiting their ability to provide essential health and dental services to their populations.
Addressing the Lack of Health & Dental Care
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that involves improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing funding and resources, enhancing health education and awareness, and implementing effective healthcare policies. International cooperation and partnerships can also play a crucial role in supporting developing countries’ efforts to improve access to healthcare services.
Health Outreach plays a small but important role providing health and dental care to those in need.
