International Academic and Community Development Institutions Discuss Health Disparity in Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, June 22, 2016 –(PR.com)– Representatives from Emory University’s Social Enterprise @ Gozuieta, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and the University of Calgary traveled to Los Robles, Nicaragua, to attend Comunidad Connect’s Second Annual Health Summit. From June 2nd-4th, they met with CC staff, community health workers and leaders, as well as representatives from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, the National University of Nicaragua, the Martin Luther University of Jinotega, and other community development organizations working in the region. Important outcomes of the Health Summit include renewed and increased commitment of GSU, KSU, and Emory to bring student volunteers and continue health research in Nicaragua.

Throughout the Health Summit, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community members discussed the Nicaragua Community Health Connections program’s successes in 2015, as well as short- and long-term goals. Dr. Warren Wilson of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology of the University of Calgary stated that he enjoyed and witnessed “remarkably fruitful conversations” during the summit.

Comunidad Connect, a registered 501(c) (3), facilitates community development projects in rural Nicaraguan communities by connecting local opportunities with global resources. Since 2008, the organization has hosted volunteer groups and independent researchers who have worked to understand, prevent, and combat health problems in northern Nicaragua. Throughout the year, Comunidad Connect’s Sustainable and Preventative Health Clinic treats over 2,000 patients from Los Robles and surrounding communities.

Dr. Barbara Blake, a summit participant and member of the nursing faculty at Kennesaw State, stated that the Health Summit was an excellent opportunity for the academic and professionals attendees “to benefit rather than compete with each other as researchers.”

After presentations from a team of over 30 community health workers, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health renewed its commitment to bring preventative care workshops to Los Robles. Representatives from the Ministry also expressed gratitude to Comunidad Connect’s staff for the health care they provide to Los Robles, for the Ministry lacks sufficient resources to adequately provide for the community. The National University of Nicaragua in Matagalpa (UNAM) also expressed interest in further collaboration with the program.

Comunidad Connect’s strengthened relationship with the Ministry of Health and UNAM promises increased access to education and information for the community health workers of Los Robles. Peter Roberts from Emory University’s Social Enterprise @ Gozuieta recapped the Summit, stating that “The community can be excellent for our institutions and institutions can be excellent for the community.”

About Comunidad Connect
Comunidad Connect is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization working in Nicaragua to promote sustainable community development, cultural exchange, and civic engagement through programs in rural healthcare, water access, youth development, and service learning. To learn more visit: http://comunidadconnect.org.

Nicaragua Community Health Connection is a collaborative effort between Comunidad Connect, Emory University’s Social Enterprise @ Goizueta, and numerous academic partners in North America and Nicaragua that cultivates resources to counteract poverty and provide healthcare in isolated communities by investing in social capital and local leadership. To learn more visit: http://www.nicachc.org/.

NCHC Mission:
To connect committed individuals and institutions with Nicaraguan counterparts to improve social and economic well-being in rural Nicaragua.

NCHC Vision:
To develop and implement a replicable model of preventive and sustainable healthcare in rural Nicaragua.