Healthcare for Pregnant Women in Nicaragua

Dear Friends and Supporters:

I'm writing to you as the Founder to share some exciting news. After more than 4 1/2 years of operation in Boaco, Nicaragua, Clinica Verde is thrilled to announce that we are partnering with the Ministry of Health of Nicaragua to bring our innovative approach to care to their rural health network. 

What does this mean?

We've entered into a 1-year agreement with the government to expand our model through a partnership in which we:

1. Design and build 1 new government rural health post and redesign 1 existing rural health post using principles of human-centered and evidence-based design;
2. Train government medical staff at each site in our compassionate care approach, and;
3. Implement our Prenatal Nutrition Program, including the creation of a biointensive garden at each site.

(For more information about why this approach contributes to better health outcomes, please take a look at a new section of our website: http://clinicaverde.org/research/)

In this public-private partnership expenses and resources will be shared between Clinica Verde and the government of Nicaragua – and we're excited by the shared enthusiasm and commitment to making this partnership a success.

The greater vision is that, after the 1-year pilot, we'll work together with the government to expand this model of high-quality rural health to other health posts in Nicaragua.

From the very beginning, we hoped and believed Clinica Verde would create a model that would present a standard of excellence and compassion, improving health outcomes and opportunity for the rural poor. It's been a challenging path to get to where we are today, but we've learned so much along the way – and continue to learn from our patients and staff each day.

None of this would have been possible without the exceptional leadership and dedication of our Nicaraguan staff. The thing I'm most proud of is the culture we've created at Clinica Verde – a culture that is not just ethical, innovative and compassionate, but also mission-driven and passionate about raising the bar in all that we do. Without that culture – and the team on the ground that sustains and nurtures it – none of our goals or vision would have been realized. It's that simple. At Clinica Verde, under the guidance of General Manager Rafael Morales and Medical Director Yolanda Guitan-Paredes, and with support and leadership provided by Administrator David Narvaez and Mary Elizabeth Flores, we have a team on the ground that brings heart and distinction to all that we do.

And, of course, we've always relied on the expertise of our Board of Directors. On top of being some of the smartest and most generous human beings I've ever met, they continue to enrich my life personally and make me better. Their names appear below.

For now, we have a lot of work to do. The next months will be full of new challenges and lessons, and no doubt a fair share of missteps along the way. We're ready for it :)

In emails to come, I'll share with you the plans and approach of this project's architect (someone I'm really excited about!) as well as the work that's being done with partners to implement our programs and approach. In the meantime, we'd love to hear from you, what questions you have – and what information is most interesting to you as our community of supporters. Feel free to also send questions for our Nicaraguan staff and partners.

You have been a very vital and potent part of this work, and all the work we do to provide compassionate care to the poorest of the poor. Each of you has in some way contributed to this journey, and will continue to help determine our path forward. Thank you. It's my sincere hope and prayer that you'll stick by our side and continue to support the work we do as we seek to bring health and hope to families in need. 

Gratefully,

Susan Dix Lyons

Founder 

Board of Directors

Jennifer Wegbreit, Co-Chair

Nikhil Bumb, Co-Chair

Peter Stanley, Vice-Chairman

Cristiana Chamorro

Margarita Gurdian

Dr. Doug Wilson

Colleen Horowitz, RN

Allyson Haug

Susan Dix Lyons