Success on a Shoestring

The Consuelo Buitrago Health Clinic serves a poor neighborhood in Managua, Nicaragua, under the direction of a group of dynamic grassroots organizers, the Consuelo Buitrago Women's Association (AMUCOBU). Each year, the Health Clinic sees thousands of patients at a cost of about $1.50 per visit. Clearly, every little bit helps the Health Clinic to provide primary care for women and children, along with a vaccination program, sanitation campaigns, public health education, and training of health brigadistas.

Beyond Health Care

In addition to providing health services, AMUCOBU has made many significant contributions to the community:

• Installing systems for potable water, sewer and electricity

• Creating a soy kitchen for malnourished children

• Creating a school offering pre-school, primary education, adult literacy and adult education

• Connecting children with their cultural heritage with a folkloric dance program

• Offering teens a future through a technical training program.

Santa Cruz Support

The Women's Empowerment Network supports AMUCOBU's work. OUR MAJOR CHALLENGE IS TO KEEP THE HEALTH CLINIC OPEN. Our hope is to keep the small clinic pharmacy stocked with essential medications, to maintain the clinic, and to provide a living wage to health workers to they may support their families while supporting their community.

Your support is more than an act of charity. Together, we are empowering an entire neighborhood to rise above the dire poverty plaguing their nation. Healthy women, children and communities will bring a better future to all of Nicaragua.

Funding

The Health Clinic’s annual budget of $20,000 is raised locally through the Santa Cruz Bailethon each November (www.santacruzdanceathon.org), an annual newsletter, and benefit house concerts. Please join us – it’s all fun!