PEralta
dominican republic
Peralta was CE’s first partner community in the Dominican Republic. Located in the mountains, Peralta is home to over 20,000 people. CE worked with community leaders to develop a local healthcare clinic and create our model of sustainability. In 2018, the clinic was registered with the Ministry of Health, providing funding for staff and medication. A community-led board oversees the clinic and water distribution operations. CE retains an advisory role, while also introducing specialty care initiatives based on emerging needs.
Status: self-sustaining
Partnership began in 2004
Sustainable since 2017
METHOD of sustainability
CE worked with local leaders to adapt and customize our model of sustainability to fit the community’s needs. Here was our approach:
1
Engage Community
We identified local leaders and assisted in assessing the community’s needs, focusing on immediate and long-term goals.
2
Provide Consistent Care
CE-led teams provided primary and specialized healthcare services based on the needs of the community for over 12 years. Peralta required care for chronic conditions as well as special screenings, such as audiology and diabetes.
3
Sustaining Business
Alongside local leaders, we created a profitable clean water business that provides local jobs, funds the clinic and is governed by a community board.
4
Registering the Clinic
We registered the clinic with the Ministry of Health to staff and supply the clinic in exchange for ownership of the land and clinic facility. Individuals who have previously volunteered with CE are prioritized. At this point, our medical teams no longer provide direct clinical care. The complete integration of clinical services into clinic assures longevity and bolsters local medical infrastructure instead of competing with it.
KEY Accomplishments
full-time staff
The Ministry of Health hired a local physician, healthcare providers, and security officer.
Local staff sees patients daily and provides services ranging from health education to vaccines and medical consultations.
Continued care
A community-led board oversees the potable water business, which provides an income-generating stream for the local distributors and the clinic facility.
sustainability
