VIDA Volunteer Travel

Implement a database that allows us to better serve the communities of Central America by keeping health records for each patient we treat in our medical, dental and veterinary clinics. With this database, we will be able to track the healthcare issues each patient has and give them follow-up care.

The Specifics: How will you use $2,500 to fuel social change through technology?

With the funds provided by GOOD, VIDA Volunteer Travel hopes to buy a database through Salesforce which will help us organize our information and thus be able to better serve communities at need. With the implementation of a database, we will be able to keep detailed records regarding each patient we treat in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica (over 17,000 so far in 2012) in order to keep medical history records and identify patterns and possible diseases that our patients may have. Through this tracking, we can identify diseases and get patients from low-resource communities the help they need before it is too late. This will also help us identify diseases that are prominent in certain communities to take them the medicine they need.

Discussion

VIDA is an organization that goes above and beyond what others call service. The healthcare services brought to rural communities drastically improves the quality of life for residents and their pets. People who would have to wait, in instances, can wait an hour to receive a checkup and receive a corresponding medication. VIDA definitely deserves the GOOD grant!

by ron.white.775

8 months ago | Reply

VIDA is an amazing organization that really needs this grant to better serve our communities and make a long-lasting impact on our patients while providing continuity of care, something that our communities deserve!

by sasha.tarnoczy

11 months ago | Reply

I've been on two VIDA trips. AWESOME organization!!! You get my vote :)

by lmjohnson119

11 months ago | Reply

My daughter just returned from volunteering with VIDA in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with the University of Arizona pre med, dental and vet students.The stories she came home with brought tears to my eyes. The knowledge and compassion she gained for helping people was beyond words. I am sure she would like to know that all the patients she saw had the same type of tracking for their medical records that we take for granted here in the states. Coupled with the language barrier and having interpreters this service is vital for every human being.

by debra.mooreewing

11 months ago | Reply

I live and teach in Costa Rica and have seen the needs of this community. VIDA and it's founders are a wonderful group of people who do that rare thing when there is a need.... they ACT! They have done a lot of good everywhere they've gone! My 16 yr old daughter has volunteered with them and we've brought many animals to be cared for by their wonderful vets. I know they do equally wonderful work in the areas of Human Medical and Dentistry as well! They are well deserving of any aid to give them more resources in fulfilling their worthwhile goals.

by picfxr

11 months ago | Reply

Definitely worth your vote!

by alwaystravelling89

11 months ago | Reply

This organization is working hard to help the less fortunate. I've been to Costa Rica and have seen the need.....thanks to this organization. They are very passionate about helping them.

by 890andy

11 months ago | Reply

Went to Costa Rica and Nicaragua with VIDA in the Summer of 2011- Such a great program, and definitely very deserving of the grant. VIDA is one of the few programs that actually makes a significant impact in rural healthcare of the communities it serves. The program's employees are devoted as well to the volunteers and patients. Absolutely life-changing experience.

by ashley250ex

11 months ago | Reply

This is a great idea! I went on the VIDA trip during Summer 2010 and loved it. However, I was concerned about providing long term care for these patients. As I apply to medical school this summer, I indicated my VIDA experience as one of my most meaningful. This program has done so much for me and this Idea would only allow more individuals to benefit as well!