Our Approach
MEDLIFE: A Comprehensive Approach to Tackling Poverty
MEDLIFE believes that in order to improve the overall health and welfare of families and communities in need, a comprehensive approach focused on sustainable development is needed. With this goal in mind, MEDLIFE seeks to deliver aid through three broad avenues: Medicine, Education, and Development (MED).
numbers of those assisted up to August 2023
The total of medical consultations, follow-up patients, and development projects that have impacted the lives of our partner communities.
330,000+
Total Medical Consultations (Nutrition, Dental, Ob, Toothbrushing)
800+
Total Follow-up Patients
600+
Total Development Projects
How do we do it?
Medicine
During our Classic Service Learning Trips, MEDLIFE’s Mobile Clinics provide primary care to individuals and families without regular access to healthcare.
Going beyond the services we can provide in our Mobile Clinics, MEDLIFE staff conduct year-round follow-up care and preventative health education workshops for those requiring additional care, ensuring that no patient is left behind.
Education
Education is essential to enact sustainable change in poor communities. MEDLIFE hosts age and gender-specific educational programs that instruct and empower our patients on relevant health topics. We also offer workshops and childcare at certain sites like our MED Center for Primary Education in Lima.
Additionally, monthly donations to Moving Mountains support the construction of new classrooms or other services for schools in low-income areas.
Development
Above all, MEDLIFE is a community development organization. Our projects like staircases or water pylons on Service Learning Trips address specific issues faced by individual communities. Additionally, donations to Moving Mountains support site-specific community development projects that vary greatly from region to region.
MEDLIFE places a priority on engaging and involving community stakeholders to promote the long-term use and maintenance of all of our projects.
Unpacking the Importance of a Comprehensive Approach
THE MEDLIFE IMPACT: PATIENT STORIES
Chais Staircase Project:
Our Staircase Construction Projects were inspired by the story of a MEDLIFE patient, Chais Pipa.
After speaking to Chais and other community members, we learned that several health problems were related to falls and the inability to navigate the steep terrain of Pamplona Alta. As a result, MEDLIFE began building staircases in these regions and has continued to do so ever since.
School Improvement:
Kirua’s schools have seen a remarkable transformation, thanks to the support and dedication of MEDLIFE.
Recognizing the fundamental role of hygiene in education, MEDLIFE has facilitated the construction of new, clean bathroom facilities, directly benefiting both the students and the staff.
A House for Selvestrina:
When we launched our campaign to raise $6,000 for Selvestrina’s home within a month, we knew the challenge was significant. What we witnessed, however, was the extraordinary power of the MEDLIFE community united by a common cause.
Thank you to everyone who donated and spread the word, Selvestrina and her husband now have a safe place to call home.
The Story of Milagros:
Meet Milagros, one of the most happy and bright children that MEDLIFE has had the pleasure of helping.
In early 2013, Milagros arrived at one of our Mobile Clinics, bringing with her a unique challenge. Since birth, her right ear had not developed correctly and was fully attached to the side of her head, a condition that significantly impeded her hearing. Through our resources, Milagros was able to receive surgery on her ear that significantly helped to lessen the issue.
A Heart Surgery for Hugo:
Meet Hugo from Laime San Carlos, a young boy who needed critical heart surgery. However, financial barriers were preventing him from receiving the necessary care. In such a situation, MEDLIFE intervened and provided crucial funds to support Hugo’s medical journey.
Thanks to the generous donations, Hugo could access the required surgery.
COVID-19 RELIEF IN LATIN AMERICA
In response to the global crisis created by COVID-19, our team is working day in and day out to provide food for families struggling to make ends meet. Our efforts have fed hundreds of families, but as lockdowns continue more and more families need support.
You can read more about how COVID-19 is impacting our partner communities and our response here:
Be a part of a comprehensive solution. Volunteer, Donate, or Start a Chapter.
Disclaimer
Under United States tax law and regulations, a donation to MEDLIFE is 100% tax-deductible by the person donating. Please note that the donation goal paid by volunteers to register for a Service Learning Trip covers trip-related expenses and therefore is not tax deductible. If donors have general questions about whether donations to MEDLIFE are tax-deductible, they can call MEDLIFE’S U.S.-based office at 1-844-MEDLIFE (1-844-633-5433). However, specific questions about the deductibility of contributions should be directed to the donor’s qualified tax advisor.
MEDLIFE is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.