Dominican Republic & Nicaragua (2020)

In Spring of 2020, Harvard FIMRC raised over $520 to bring a cardiologist to the FIMRC site in the Dominican Republic. This project covered the logistical costs of preparing for consultations as well as the transportation for the specialist. We also raised over $700 towards the Nicaraguan Clean Water Initiative which helps provide water filters and clean water to underserved families. 

Service Map

Dominican Republic (2019)

During the 2018-19 year, Harvard FIMRC fully funded the Health Agents Program in the Dominican Republic through fundraising efforts ($300). Health Agents is a weekly educational program for youth in the Dominican Republic at Project Restauracion. Topics include areas in general health and areas specific to the community, including mosquito-related diseases, nutrition, hygiene, sexual health, and leadership. When Harvard FIMRC members went on the service trip to the DR over spring break, they led a Health Agents class! Volunteers helped to educate the community through advocacy campaigns through posters and pamphlets. These educational materials helped with raising awareness for health conditions and educating the community on when to reach out for help.

Limon, Nicaragua (2018)

During the 2018-19 year, Harvard FIMRC fully funded the New Mom Kits program ($650). Reyneri Yescas, a registered nurse at the FIMRC site in Limon, visits pregnant women in five communities every month giving tips and advice on how to stay healthy during pregnancy. Before giving birth, each expecting mom is given a "new mom kit" that includes basic supplies needed for newborn care. Materials in the kit include clothes, blankets, thermometers, diapers, nasal aspirators, baby toys, and other essentials. These kits are critical for expecting mothers so that their transition to motherhood is as smooth as possible and the health of the baby remains in good condition. The prenatal program has expanded in the past year to two additional communities. With help from FIMRC chapters, the prenatal program can keep growing and help even more mothers in need. 

Alajuelita, Costa Rica (2017)

Costa Rica, meaning "rich coast", is a Central American country that shares borders with Nicaragua and Panama. It is known for having successfully adjusted its development strategy in the 1980s, therefore reducing poverty levels and improving social services. The government now faces the problem of continuing a strong social security system and access to subsidized health services in light of fiscal constraints and competing priorities. 
Five kilometers outside of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, approximately 12,500 Nicaraguan refugees and impoverished Costa Rican citizens settled outside of central Alajuelita (“Little Alajuela”). The majority of this population, comprised largely of women and their children, is medically uninsured. Natural disasters, political conflict and lack of economic opportunity have created a large number of Nicaraguan immigrants to settle in the Alajuelita area.  Without access to the national healthcare system, the refugees seek out our clinic to receive treatment and psychological services.

The most rampant medical issues plaguing this population are readily treatable with preventative measures, education initiatives and continuous healthcare monitoring: diarrhea, type 2 diabetes, malnutrition, persistent bronchial infections, gastrointestinal microbe infections, unplanned pregnancies, alcoholism, drug addiction, and HIV. Coupled with these medical issues are equally persistent and pervasive social problems—the absence of clean water and sanitation facilities in rural areas, absent or overcrowded schools, underemployment, and increasing dropout rates in school.
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FIMRC's clinic in San Felipe, Alajuelita was established in January of 2005 and is just a short walk to the underserved communities, Jasmín (“Jasmine”) and Los Pinos (“The Pines”). It is staffed to address not only medical issues, but also the mental health issues that are present due to immigration and poverty. The centrally located space serves as a FIMRC base within the community for well-child and acute care visits, as well as psychological services.

Clinical Activities

  • FIMRC clinic providing services to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic
  • Well child visit program 
  • Psychological services
  • Medical campaign with local soup kitchens

Health Education

  • Youth groups focused on health 
  • Soup kitchen education programs
  • Diabetes prevention program
  • Nutrition and cooking lessons at Casa Club
  • Healthy habits group focused on exercise

Special Initiatives

  • Dance therapy program
  • Yoga instruction 
  • Nursing student rotation program
  • Art therapy program