The Roberto Clemente Health Clinic

Our clinic located in southwest Nicaragua, provides preventive and emergency care to 27 underserved communities. We serve as a positive agent for change by saving lives, improving health, and fulfilling the promise of medicine for those most in need. Each year we see approximately 9,000 patients and we recently acquired an ambulance to transfer patients in critical conditions to the nearest hospital. We welcome volunteers from any background to come to the clinic and survive thanks to your generosity.

This 1,140 square-foot primary care and triage facility is staffed by a full-time doctor, 3 nurses, 2 pharmacists - accredited by the Ministry of Health - our 4 administrative team, and a driver. The Roberto Clemente Health Clinic supplies low-cost medical care to the isolated villages of Limon1 and 27 surrounding communities in southwest Nicaragua.

The Clinic is named after Roberto Clemente, who played baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972. He died on a mission to help the victims of a devastating earthquake in Nicaragua.

Launched in 2004, the Clinic is the result of generous donations from private individuals, the volunteer efforts of the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh, The Oxford Club, and The Granados’ Family who donated the land.

The Roberto Clemente Clinic strives to educate the community on better health, as well as prevent diseases, treat viruses, and injuries and chronic health problems endemic to the rural regions of Nicaragua. where running water and flushing toilets are rare.

The Clinic also treats emergency and life threatening cases. Our team helps stabilize patients while they get transported to the main hospital in Rivas Nicaragua.

Additionally, in 2008 we started to build and grow our outreach programs. Now we visit schools, small health clinics and small towns bringing education, training and donations to communities thanks to our volunteers. In 2009 we were able to reach more than 15,000 people. We have a constant supply of enthused doctors, nurses, and students who are eager to help the rural communities in Nicaragua.

Nicaraguans have no access or only limited access to modern health care, especially in the rural regions like LIMON1. Widespread malnutrition, inadequate water and sewerage systems, and sporadic application of basic public health measures produced a national health profile typical of impoverished populations. Enteritis and other diarrheal diseases are among the leading causes of death. Pneumonia, tetanus, and measles, largely among children less than five years old, account for more than 10 percent of all deaths in Nicaragua.

The opening of our clinic means an expectant mother who lives in Limón1 or any of the 27 communities can easily access necessary prenatal care. It means an injured worker can quickly get safe, efficient medical treatment and prescriptions. Also, the residents of Limón1 and Limon2 can have a neighborhood doctor who can treat emergencies like allergic reactions, lacerations and asthma attacks, or even perform routine medical exams and testing.

Thanks to previous donations, we recently acquired our first ambulance, which has been a lifesaver for many people. The potential benefits of Clinica Roberto Clemente are limitless. When you volunteer abroad in Nicaragua you can enjoy many benefits. You will experience a great feeling of purpose and accomplishment, networking with new friends, learning things you can't get in a classroom and a new outlook on the world. We welcome you to volunteer in our clinic any time of the year.

Between 9,000 to 15,000 local patients, including children and the elderly, rely on the Clinic as their primary means of medical care. And the U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization depends solely on private donations to continue operating. When you join our volunteer program in Nicaragua it is not just your time, but also your contribution that helps us to provide more primary care for those who cannot afford it.

The Roberto Clemente Health Clinic

Juan Munoz, Executive Director

105 West Monument Street

Baltimore, MD

United States, 21201

Voice 1-410-777-8626

Email:

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