Member Bio
My goal in life is to improve the quality of life for other people, both spiritually and physically. I am passionate about water issues and community health education and development. I have had experience designing health education programs and water projects, and have started a nonprofit organization called International H.E.L.P - www.intnlhelp.org.
After finishing my MPH coursework, I moved to Nicaragua to obtain real, hands-on experience in public health education. In Nicaragua, I trained local people to be health workers, providing them with the skills, resources, platform and group structure necessary to positively influence the health in their community. The program was created in a way to be sustainable and effective, run by the local people. I saw firsthand the value of community health outreach programs that not only prevent diseases and promote health but also are sustainable and better the development of the entire community. By living there more than just a week or two, I also observed the importance of not just doing handouts that are toxic charity to the people, but truly providing help that empowers and provides ownership. My desire is to implement that same idea in many places throughout the world to save lives and improve entire communities.
Following my time in Nicaragua, I spent time traveling o different countries, looking for ways to gain a deeper cultural perspectives and a better understanding of the best methodologies for creating sustainable public health programs that are able to bridge cultural barriers.
I have now returned to the US and started International H.E.L.P. (Health Education for Local People) to educate and empower local people to develop their own communities for health improvement.
