What is today known as Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) began nearly 150 years ago with the works of many pioneering women religious who traveled from abroad to carry on the healing ministry of Jesus in the New World.

With this rich heritage as our foundation, CHW has always recognized our responsibility to serve those who are poor or disadvantaged both domestically and internationally. The Foundation for International Health is a natural extension of CHW’s mission and social responsibility work as we support and promote self-sustaining communities in developing countries.

Medical Missions to Guatemala
We are presently conducting medical missions in Esquipulas, Guatemala, a remote area about four hours southeast of Guatemala City. With a total population of nearly 13 million people, approximately 10 million Guatemalans live in poverty and two-thirds of that number live in extreme poverty.

The Foundation for International Health conducted its inaugural mission to Esquipulas in November 2007 and we have committed to at least another five years of service.  You can learn more about this mission by reading the daily journal of our mission, as well as through the personal reflections of our team members.

Barriers to Good Health in Guatemala
The most immediate barrier to good health in the impoverished communities surrounding Esquipulas is the lack of clean drinking water. The prevalence of dust and smoke is also a significant health risk. Most of the homes have dirt floors and un-hooded, wood burning stoves inside the living quarters that are fired 24-hours a day. The daily practice of burning trash also contributes to the amount of particulate matter inhaled by residents of these communities and can be linked to many of the respiratory ailments seen during the mission trips.

To find out more, contact:

Pamela Hearn
Executive Director, CHW Foundation for International Health
(626) 744-2310 direct
Pamela.Hearn@chw.edu

The Foundation for International Health is able to send a full medical mission team to Esquipulas for just under $25,000. We are additionally raising funds to support water purification systems as well as home chimneys. Your gift will help us improve the quality of life worldwide.

Send your tax deductible gift to:

CHW Foundation for International Health
c/o Pamela Hearn
251 S. Lake Ave., Suite 700
Pasadena, CA 91101