Sabalos Clinic Update

Sabalos- Nicaragua.  Above, Sunrise member John Jones delivers the latest in progress and background for newer members regarding the Surgical Center Sunrise Rotary has been planning the past six years.

THEN 2014

INTERIOR WALLS & PUMBING TAKING FORM

During Strategic and Visioning sessions in 2009, then Sunrise President Don Floriani proposed a long term approach to eye surgeries then available only intermittently in the remote Rio San Juan region of southern Nicaragua.  A Task Force composed of John, Steve Zwick and Peter Hoberg began compiling feasibility data based on unmet emergency care and resources needed to match those needs.  Those studies have led to cooperative ventures within and beyond Rotary, building financial and planning partnerships now possessing the funds to commence construction (Ground-breaking January 6, 2017) of a 1,900 sf surgery annex to the existing regional health center in Sabalos.  

2014  THE CLINIC IS STILL A DREAM TRYING TO AWAKE

2017 WITH RIBBON CUTTING ANTICIPATED BY SEPTEMBER

As Rotary does not fund construction projects, the building costs have been raised without Rotary International support.  In order to equip and supply the clinic with new staff, Sunrise Rotary is partnering with the Managua-Tiscapa Rotary Club to apply for a Rotary International Global Grant.  This funding leverage will provide diagnostic equipment (ultrasound & xray) operating tables, anesthesia machine, all that is needed to provide the 31,000 residents served by the clinic with essential treatment services to improve outcomes and reduce childhood mortality.  Occupational accidents, fractures, serious lacerations as well will now receive timely, local attention, avoiding river-based, painful and life-threatening delayed transportation to the nearest hospital over two hours away.

As construction continues, our Nicaraguan partners will be sending photos and progress reports.  Stay tuned, with ribbon cutting anticipated late summer, early fall, ahh, Autumn!