USF

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Spring Break Success!

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It was a fun, productive month as both our sites welcomed Spring Break teams from across the United States! From pediatric check-ups to spelling bees, each team contributed their time and talent to support MPI's long-term commitment to the communities we serve. In Nicaragua,

  • Vanderbilt University students cheered on 200+ 5K participants as they crossed the finish line. This team made the day a huge success, raising $2,380 for the Cedro Clinic.
  • The University of South Florida's team of doctors and medical students provided primary care clinics, home visits, health education and planned for clinic improvements.
  • The University of Georgia led our Camp JAM students in the planting of a lovely new garden. Using recycled materials, they created bright and cheerful planters in Farito.
  • The University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing conducted a 4-day de-parasiting clinic, where more than 1,000 people received medicine to get rid of harmful parasites.
  • Worcester State University students taught creative arts camp for our Child Sponsorship kids and their siblings in Villa Guadalupe.

For a recap of Ecuador projects, see last month's Manna Mail here. 

Next month we will share updates from Nicaragua's Spring Break activities. Are you interested in starting a Manna campus chapter at your university? You can!

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Cedro Health Clinic Celebrates First Anniversary

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Last week, the community of Cedro Galán came together to celebrate the first anniversary of the Cedro Health Clinic. In the last year, the clinic has provided 1,230 affordable health consultations and now treats more than 15 patients per day - up from 15 per week in October 2013! 

At the celebration, attendees enjoyed snacks and drinks, a slideshow of photos from the past year, and a video thanking clinic staff and volunteers. Community members visited educational stations covering information on diabetes, hypertension, hand-washing and Dengue fever. These stations:

  • Taught the dangers of high sugar consumption and illustrated the sugar content in popular beverages 
  • Offered blood pressure screenings and heart-health tips
  • Hosted activities including "My Plate," an art project where children learned the elements of a balanced meal
  • Reminded community members of Dengue fever warning signs and the clinic's free, rapid-response Dengue testing
  • Made hand-washing fun with a water station for kids to practice proper techniques

The celebration ended with a dance, which was a huge hit! We are so grateful to the community and to you for a wonderful first year. We look forward to many more years of improved health in Cedro Galán. 

You can help provide vital health services for Cedro Galán through our donation page.       Would you like to see more photos from the celebration? They are available here.