Health Projects

The health program supports volunteers with a range of experience, from those with a genuine interest but limited experience, to specialists in the field (including physical therapists, occupational therapists, special education teachers, speech and language therapists, nurses, and health educators).

Health Education

Volunteers work with topics that can be presented in primary and secondary schools, some of which include physical education, sexual & reproductive health, first aid, and personal and dental hygiene as well as nutrition. Additional education and outreach can be facilitated by health fairs, workshops, and other creative approaches to promote health and education to the public about disabilities and general health issues.

Senior Support

San Ignacio is the home to one of the few nursing homes in Belize, and Cornerstone volunteers have the opportunity to work with their residents and staff. After they discuss the most effective methods to meet residents' needs with the staff, volunteers assist the elderly and their facilitators with daily activities and exercises. Volunteers also have the option of visiting the elderly or disabled in an at-home setting to help with a variety of needs, ranging from physical therapy to daily hygiene issues.

Disabilities

Volunteeers work with professionals and others in the community to develop a sustainable network of disabilities awareness. They organize and conduct annual events and activities that promote general disabilities awareness or a specific disabilities cause.

Individual Therapy

Experienced physical and occupational therapists provide one-on-one specialized therapy to children and adults with a wide range of physical or mental disabilities, educate caregivers on techniques they can use and build off of in the future, and provide documentation at the office for future volunteers.

Special Education

Special education sessions or individual one-on-one tutoring with mentally challenged children or those with developmental delays is available for those with a special interest in this field. Sessions may include anything from providing fun and active stimulation for a volunteer with less experience but enthusiasm, to specialized education for those trained in the field. The aim is to provide life skills training, establish learning environments, and stimulate physical activity.

Clinical Work

Clinical work can be conducted once licensing has been secured through the Nurses Association of Belize. Original transcripts, RN license, and RN exam results will need to be received by the association, followed by a determination usually made within one to two weeks. Transcripts may need to be sent directly from your school to the association. There is a small temporary licensing fee. Verify this information and begin the process by contacting:

Nurses Association of Belize
PO Box 1573
Corner Princess Margaret Dr. and St. Joseph Dr.
Belize City, Belize, Central America
Tel.: +501-203-4078
Fax: +501-223-3081
Email: nabz1573@hotmail.com

Health facilities include Good Shepherd Clinic, La Loma Luz, Octavia Waight Centre, San Ignacio Hospital clinics including mobile clinic, Mopan clinic, the Georgeville clinic, voluntary counseling and testing center.

Other resources include health fairs, University of Belize, Central Farm, Care Belize, Hospice work, and Community Nurses Aides. Belize Council for the Visually Impaired Belize Family Life Association, COMPAR, Rotary and Cornerstone Foundation

Outreach Materials

Volunteers can work on the publication and circulation of health information, and disability-concerned documents. Such publications could be anything from flyers to small newsletters or pamphlets to a public service announcement aired on local radio or television or printed in one of the newspapers. This information provides a level of education not often available to the general public.

Natural Healing is an educational program offered separately see our volunteer page for additional information

• Learn about the healing resources of the rain forest
• Meet traditional healing practitioners of western Belize
• Learn about the role played by natural healing in Belizean culture
• Help natural healers of Belize maintain a high professional standing in their community