The Church of Jesus Christ Donates Equipment to Five Family Health Centers in Chile

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently made significant donations to five Family Health Centers (CESFAMs) in Chile. These donations, consisting of diagnostic and treatment equipment, will improve the primary care provided by these municipal health centers.

These contributions from the Church of Jesus Christ are part of a plan to support primary health care received by low-income communities. Donations were made in large areas such as the Metropolitan region of Santiago as well as in small communities such as Puqueldón on Lemuy Island.

Some communities have had unexpected growth due to the flow of immigrants from countries such as Haiti, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia. Many of these people lack basic needs, so it is key to have close medical assistance with special emphasis on prevention. The growth and size of the target population, the obsolescence of equipment, and the appearance of new technologies impose great challenges on the municipal health system.

Examples of donated equipment include a complete electric generator, specialized equipment (portable ultrasound unit, defibrillators, fetal heart rate monitors and TENS [transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation] units), dental chairs, hydraulic beds, podiatry chairs and obstetrics/gynecology tables for better service to patients, stationary bicycles and treadmills, and computers and monitors to improve and record the health of patients.

The leaders of each CESFAM expressed gratitude upon receiving the donations. In San Pedro de Melipilla, the director of the Department of Health, Valeska Manzo Arancibia, said, “We are very grateful because this renewed equipment improves the quality of the services we provide to our users. This is a huge help for us. It is the first time that we will have a special chair for our podiatrist and our older adults will benefit the most.”

The mayor of the same town, Emilio Cerda Sagurie, commented, “We are very happy and grateful for this collaboration with our CESFAM. We want to thank you for choosing us to make this donation, which is so important and necessary.”

In some communities, the donation was accompanied by a celebration. The festive spirit generated by the donation highlights that service to others produces joy and generates a spirit of brotherhood and love. Such was the case of a CESFAM in Lampa, which organized a celebration that included music and the traditional cueca dance.

The evaluation of all these projects is led by the volunteer missionaries of the Humanitarian Services department of the Church of Jesus Christ. Local church leaders participated in the delivery to each CESFAM, the employees of which will direct the work in the community. Many health representatives and government leaders also opened their doors and helped identify needs.

Humanitarian Services of the Church of Jesus Christ

Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors relief and development projects in 195 countries and territories. It provides aid without regard to race, religious affiliation or national origin. Following the admonition of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and afflicted, these efforts alleviate suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service.

This important outreach is made possible by the generous donations and volunteerism of Latter-day Saints and friends of the faith all over the world. More than 1 million hours of work are contributed each year by volunteers in support of wellness initiatives.

This story was originally published on Spanish Newsroom.