The state of health in Honduras is sub-optimal. The prevalence rates of chronic diseases, especially hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are particularly high. Reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases would improve the quality of life in the department of Yoro in Honduras.

I believe that every human has the right to a baseline of health and well being. Currently in Honduras, the standard of health and living is sub-standard. It is important to me to help others help themselves out of dehumanizing conditions so they can realize their full potential. By catalyzing positive change in Honduras while empowering local individuals to sustain it, I feel like I have done something important and worthwhile.

The organization Salud Juntos was creates several years ago after a need for intervention was identified in Yoro, Honduras, and a group of students, doctors, and other individuals expressed an interest in addressing it. This community health worker program is the next stage of the development of Salud Juntos' activities as a catalyst and facilitator for local, positive change. I plan on working with another student from Cornell in Honduras in the spring of 2010. Currently, we are gathering domestic resources and knowledge in preparation for the six months we intend to spend in Honduras in 2010. Once on the ground in Honduras, we will conduct a series of interviews and a stakeholder analysis as we identify where the problems with chronic disease management can be most effectively addressed. Working from the Chronic Care Model, we intend on finding 4-6 women in the department of Yoro who are motivated and willing to begin a community health worker training program.

Others can aid by raising funds, awareness, and in-kind donations of selected medical supplies. We will be engaging the local communities in Honduras and utilizing their knowledge and expertise in the development of the program.