Just a Few Tidbits About the Hillside Clinic

Just a few tidbits taken directly from Hillside's website - (linked on the right side of your screen)

"Hillside Health Care International (HHCI) is a faith based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving God by providing health care and disease prevention to the people of Southern Belize. HHCI is devoted to improving the Belizean quality of life through medical care, health education, and community outreach."

"Through its main clinic in the little township of Eldridgevile and mobile outreach clinics to more than a dozen indigenous villages, HHCI volunteers provide over 8000 free patient visits each year. Without HHCI’s efforts, the rural and remote populace of the Toledo district would have little or no access to medical care."

"Though close collaboration with the Belize Ministry of Health and local Non-Governmental Organizations, HHCI continues to expand its outreach to include free dental and physical therapy services and the facilitation of public health research. The Hillside Clinic has become the conduit for the provision of accessible primary medical care, adjunct health care services, community health education, disease prevention and public health research in service of the poorest citizens in Belize. This is accomplished through a program sustained by volunteers. Based in Milwaukee, WI, HHCI is an IRS approved 501(C)3 organization."

And tomorrow, the seven of us will be experiencing this first hand!  :)

FAQ's

I have gotten a couple of questions repeatedly as I talked about this trip, and I thought it would be nice to address them here.  Feel free to ask more questions by commenting on this entry!

Have you brushed up on your Spanish?
Thankfully, Belize is an English speaking country.  Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize was a territory owned by Britian.  Belize is home to many different cultures, but the official language is English!

I know someone who went on a vacation there.  Are you sure that Belize a third world country?
Yes, Belize is considered a third world country.  There are some areas that survive on tourism, but overall, the country is very poor.  The average annual income is less than $8000 Belizian Dollars... Which is (roughly) $4000 American Dollars. 

Tomorrow's Journey

It's late, and many are out celebrating Halloween tonight.. But, I am updating the blog!  I am full of anticipation for tomorrow's trip, and find myself unable to sleep. 

Tomorrow, we have 4 layovers.  Yes, that's right, 4!

Milwaukee to Houston

Houston to Belize City

Belize City to Dangriga

Dangriga to Placencia

Placencia to Punta Gorda

Once we take off from Belize City, we will be on a true puddle-jumper plane - landing and taking off after short 20 minute flights within Belize.  It should be an adventure!  :)

T Minus 5 Days

The ProHealth BSN Completion Students had their last Pre-Belize class tonight, and the excitement is palpable! Don't forget your DEET and anti-malarials! :)

See you all bright and early on Sunday Morning.. and remember daylight savings starts on Sunday.. Fall Behind!