Formation of a Vision
2005- Our story begins
Health Outreach Foundation was established in 2005 by Drs. Tony and Luz Racela under the name World Outreach Foundation of Kansas City. Drs Racela were experienced in delivering medical missions to developing countries, having also founded the Medical Missions Foundation in 1996.
Our founding vision was and still is to provide charitable medical and health care to those most in need, in a way that would support medical mission activity but be able to deliver care for the long term.
Our First Project
The first major project for us was to raise funds for a mobile surgical and healthcare van. The purpose of the mobile unit is to take healthcare to those most in need in the Philippines. It is a converted tourist bus, outfitted with medical equipment and supplies donated from local hospitals. In partnership with the Lions Club of Candon City, this unit still operates today and has served over 60,000 patients to date.
Patients and families gather outside the registration for the medical service surgeries in the Philippines.
Sustainability
Is Key
Following a strategic review of our operations in 2014, our Board of Directors and leadership committed to providing sustainable health programs. These programs are dedicated to improving the long term health outcomes of those we serve both overseas, and locally.
Becoming HOF
Then in 2019, our board decided to change the name of the Foundation from WOFKC to Health Outreach Foundation to better reflect the nature of our mission. We felt the change of name better reflected our exclusive focus on healthcare across the world. This also allows us a greater focus not only on communities domestically but on the entire world.
Our Progress
Our current outreach programs operate in Kansas City, Dominican Republic, Philippines, and Mexico. These include medical screenings, health visits, surgical programs, and dental programs.
We are committed to developing these programs as we fight to bring healthcare to all those who need it.
In the future
We will continue to add, build, and grow sustainable medical and dental care to our existing programs, expand their reach locally, and work with partners in new countries as appropriate. If you would like to help us work on our future endeavors, please volunteer, donate, or you can also contact us here.
