National Hydration Day is observed each year on June 23rd, and it serves as an important reminder of the vital role that water plays in our daily lives. The day encourages people to recognize the importance of staying hydrated, not only for individual health but also for global access to clean drinking water. In celebration of this day, we’d like to highlight the efforts we’ve made to help provide access to clean water for underserved communities across Latin America and Africa.
The Origins of National Hydration
National Hydration Day was created by the SafeTGard Corporation in honor of football Coach Victor Hawkins (September 1, 1964 – June 23, 2012) who invented a mouthguard that releases electrolytes to keep players hydrated during games and practices. This day honors Coach Hawkins’ contributions to athlete health, safety, and success. The SafeTGard Corporation founded the day in 2016 to increase awareness of the importance of proper hydration to athletes everywhere
The Importance of Access to Clean Water
The lack of access to clean water is a global issue that affects millions of people. We all know the importance of staying hydrated, especially during the warmer months. But imagine if you couldn’t simply go to a sink or fridge to get a glass of cold water to quench your thirst. In many regions, especially in rural or underserved areas, safe drinking water is scarce, and communities often rely on contaminated water sources. This leads to a variety of health problems, including waterborne diseases that disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations.
At MEDLIFE, one of our core missions is to ensure that our partner communities have access to clean water, which is essential for health, hygiene, and well-being. By improving water access, we are not only helping to prevent illness but also empowering communities to thrive. This is where our work in communities like Laderas de Nueva Esperanza comes in.
The Road to Water Access in Laderas de Nueva Esperanza
In Laderas de Nueva Esperanza, a community MEDLIFE has worked with many times in Peru, access to clean water was a significant challenge. Prior to MEDLIFE’s intervention, many families relied on a nearby river for their water, which was contaminated and unsafe for drinking. In 2017, we launched a project to help this community gain access to safe, clean water by installing a water reservoir that was big enough to store large quantities of water so the truck that comes to replenish it doesn’t have to come as frequently, since the roads in the community are often too slippery and narrow to navigate.
Through projects like these, MEDLIFE is taking significant steps to address water access issues in South America. Our approach involves not only providing immediate solutions but also fostering collaboration with local communities to ensure that the changes we implement are sustainable and effective in the long run.
How To Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities in South America
On National Hydration Day, we encourage you to think about how clean water impacts the lives of people around the world. If you are passionate about making a difference and want to take action, there are volunteer opportunities in South America through MEDLIFE that allow you to directly help communities gain access to clean water. Whether it’s by participating in water-related projects or supporting our health and education initiatives, you can contribute to the global effort to make clean water accessible to all.
As we celebrate National Hydration Day, let’s remember that staying hydrated is a privilege that not everyone has access to. MEDLIFE is dedicated to ensuring that more people around the world have access to safe drinking water, improving their health and quality of life.
Join us in our mission to provide access to clean water, and consider volunteering with MEDLIFE to make a lasting impact in the communities that need it most.
To learn more about getting involved with MEDLIFE today, fill out the interest form below, download our free brochure, or check out some of our upcoming trips!