We partnered with the clinic through the Fe y Alegría network to improve the access to high-quality health services for the mostly Haitian population living in Batey Lechería de Manoguayabo, Santo Domingo Oeste, Dominican Republic. During the course of this project, the clinic benefited from new materials and equipment as well as added trainings to improve the overall patient experience. The clinic is always striving to improve its services and guarantee high-quality follow-ups for the patients. They identified three key areas of improvement that this project addressed. 

First, the clinic worked to reduce the risk of illness and mortality in pregnant women and their babies. In consultation with doctors, the clinic was able to purchase sonography equipment and supplies and new testing equipment for the laboratory. Along with highly trained staff, these resources had a direct impact on the lives of local pregnant women. 

Waste management was another priority for the clinic due to the high degree of contamination that medical waste has in the community. Our project allowed the clinic to install an incinerator for discarded syringes and other waste and fostered community education and trainings related to waste management.

Finally, in consultation with the medical staff, other improvements were made to the infrastructure of the clinic including the purchase of equipment and renovations to key areas in the clinic. Improvements to the waiting room, installation of new cabinets at the nursing station, and new curtains and an air conditioner for the consult rooms all contribute to an improved patient experience. At the same time better medical equipment has already increased the capacities of the staff and allowed for minor surgeries to be performed. Finally, the continuous training of the staff through workshops, gatherings and retreats has also been impactful.