American Red Cross, UPR Med School to offer joint health services in 11 P.R. towns
Aiming to reach more than 9,700 people in 11 towns, the American Red Cross and the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Sciences Campus have joined forces to deliver health services as part of long-term recovery efforts.
The initiative carries a $350,000 investment
granted by the American Red Cross to the UPR Med School. Residents, students
and professionals will participate in the program. The towns that will benefit
are: Barranquitas, Comerío, Corozal, Naranjito, Orocovis, Toa Alta, Ceiba
Coamo, Manatí, Naguabo, and Salinas.
“After Hurricane María we saw how
important it is to have health services, both physically and mentally, to cope
with the days following the disaster,” said Lee Vanessa Feliciano, regional
executive of the American Red Cross, Puerto Rico Chapter.
“As a result, in the American Red Cross’ long-term
recovery program, we created the community health pillar to provide behavioral
health and disease prevention activities for children and families. We’re proud
to collaborate with the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus in
this important effort for all of us,” she said.
The project
integrates telemedicine technology to provide patients with clinical and
diagnostic evaluation services when a specialist is required and cannot be
there personally at the time of the clinics. Through this technology, online
interviews, laboratory results and image evaluations are carried out with which
the health professional can evaluate the patient remotely.
In addition to the use of telemedicine, people
will receive services to prevent diseases and promote education, such as:
physical examination; blood pressure, temperature, and glucose tests;
nutritional talks, vaccination and dental services, among others.
Similarly, to support the mental health area, organizers
will offer talks and workshops on disaster preparedness, trauma detection and
referrals to clinics in the identification of illnesses.
