We believe everyone in Belize should have access to basic health services in order to survive and thrive.
There are about 200 villages in Belize. They often lack basic health equipment, supplies and services. Tragically, some people die waiting for emergency help to arrive from afar. Regional hospitals and clinics often have the same issues. Belizeans face other issues too. For example, amputations due to illnesses such as diabetes or car/bicycle accidents due to low night visibility. Our Health Pillar strives to alleviate some of those issues.
However, this is only possible with the help of donors!
By setting up a US $1,000+ Yearly subscription you become an Annual Pillar Supporter (Learn More).
You can also explore our current Health Causes below. Hopefully, one or more of our causes will align with your passion to support health in Belize.
Medical Equipment Cause
Regional and village clinics often lack basic medical equipment ranging from small things like wheelchairs to big things like firetrucks and ambulances. Believe in Belize's approach to addressing this issue is through obtaining donated medical equipment from outside Belize and shipping it to our beneficiaries in Belize. What we bring varies based on what is donated and the cost varies greatly from simply covering shipping costs (e.g. US $10 per cubic foot) to refurbishing emergency equipment (e.g. US $10k for a firetruck).
Impact
Prosthetics Cause
Over 100 people undergo amputations in Belize each year due to disease and accidents. This results in a severe reduction in quality of life. Compounding the problem is the limited support for amputees, especially in rural areas. Believe in Belize's approach to addressing this issue is through partnering with local nonprofits dedicated to providing prosthetics. On average about 15 persons / year receive a below the knee prosthetic at a cost of US $250 for each kit, and the fitting is done by volunteers. The amputees do not pay anything.
Impact
When we go out for a bike ride, it’s easy to take things for granted such as well-lit streets and designated bicycle lanes. In Belize, not only do these precautions not exist, but bicycle travel is many children and young adults' primary mode of transportation. With 18% of automobile crashes involving a bicycle, that is an alarming and incredibly preventable statistic. Believe in Belize is installing bicycle reflectors throughout Belize by partnering with local police departments and other groups. By 2020, over 500 bicycles have been equipped with bicycle reflectors. This stopped during the pandemic but just restarted in December 2023. Each 100' roll costs about US $15 and covers about 50 bicycles. In 2022 we expanded this cause to install reflectors on street signs.
Impact
Support a Community Clinic Cause
There are about 200 villages in Belize. Health services typically consist of waiting for a service provider to arrive and address the medical issue locally or take a person to a regional clinic/hospital. This time delay is detrimental to the person's health and is inconsistent among villages. The aim of this cause is to provide some basic and consistent standard of care throughout the villages. The first phase (planned for 2025) is to initiate a "Village Medic" pilot in 5-10 villages. Each selected village will identify a person to receive a medical kit consisting of first aid material and measuring instruments (e.g. Stethoscope, Thermometer, Glucometer). They will be trained to use the kit and make a referral as needed.
Impact
We will provide updates here as this cause evolves.
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