Dominican Trip Overview
El Barrio de Las Flores
Barrio Las Flores comprises a series of neighborhoods in Constanza, with a population of roughly 8,000 people. It is widely regarded as one of the most marginalized communities in Constanza. Over the years, and with the assistance of Puente, HOF has worked to develop relationships with many key stakeholders, including: school officials, medical professionals, community leaders, and local associations and institutions.
“The patients and the people of Constanza helped to develop me as a person while I helped to develop a community in which I will forever feel connected.”
-Emma M.
The operativo
While there is no perfect translation of “operativo” in English, the closest idea in English would be a health screening clinic. Due to the unique needs of our patients, we provide a wide array of services to serve these needs, including:
Interactive public health lectures
Screening for hypertension, diabetes, and anemia
Treatment of acute issues (minor injuries, infections, etc.)
Vitamins for pregnant women
Glasses
Preventative dentistry for children (fluoride treatments)
During each operativo, US providers partners with local providers (some of which are pictured left). This allows not only for a wonderful exchange, but also allows all of our care and referrals to be accessible within the local health system!
House Calls
Casa A Casa (House to House) is a program where HOF volunteers go from house to house in the barrio. We provide screening for new patients as well as follow up with patients who haven’t yet made it to the operativo or who are housebound.
Want to see more pictures from previous trips? Click here to visit our gallery!
