rancho arribA

dominican republic

La Vigía, located in Rancho Arriba, San José de Ocoa, is a community of approximately 1,200 residents. Many of its residents originally lived in mountainous areas but were relocated by the government after a major storm. There is a lack of local healthcare services, which prevents consistent and accessible care. Transportation limitations and a perilous access road during rainy season makes traveling for care exceptionally difficult.

Status: active

Partnership began in 2026

METHOD of sustainability

CE worked with local leaders to adapt and customize our model of sustainability to fit the community’s needs. Rancho Arriba stands out for the resilience of it’s families relocated by natural disasters and for the strength of its community leadership. Here is our approach thus far:

1

Engage Community

We identified local leaders and assisted in assessing the community’s needs, focusing on immediate and long-term goals. They identified a lack of government support, nearby heath facilities, and unsafe access to and from the community.

2

Providing Care

Our first primary care trip will be in mid-2026. Primary care will assess and treat patients, developing a relationship for longterm care. Complex cases are handled on a case-by-case basis.

3

Development Projects

We are working with local leaders to determine what development projects are needed most. These projects target environmental factors that affect healthy outcomes, such as clean water, adequate housing and accessible structures.

4

Scoping the Clinic

Building a clinic is critical to establishing consistent care and, eventually, registering with the Ministry of Health. We’re in the early stages of working with community leaders to identify potential spaces to be refurbished into the future clinic.