IHSC has always focused on sustainable health service projects in developing countries. This year we will begin what we hope to be a long term relationship in the Chiriquí region of Panama . Using the contacts made through USF's academic partnership in Panama, we were able to locate an area in dire need of our help. We hope to establish a relationship with this community and create a long term partnership and training to ensure the sustainability of health projects. Students from all USF Health Colleges (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Physical Therapy) will be participating in the project. As part of this year's trip we will be conducting a needs assessment, and meeting with the community to ascertain what the community feels are their biggest needs and what they would like help with.

We will also be partnering with Peace Corp Volunteer, Steve Russo, in the Comarca Ngobe-Bugle, near Chiriquí , Panama . We will be helping with the construction of latrines, and aqueduct extensions. Most homes in the community either lack latrines or have one that is not in good condition. With a paved road, a school, a health center, access to latrines, water has become the number one priority and a limiting factor to the further development of the community. Of the 65 households, only 15 are connected to the community aqueduct. The health center has a 600 gallon storage tank and internal plumbing, but no water supply. Obviously, the lack of water in a health center limits its capabilities and creates various hygiene concerns. This health center serves not just the 650 members of Oma, but over 3,000 people living in the area. During our trip we hope to connect the community health center and about 17 other households.

In addition to the water and sanitation projects, we will be holding a medical clinic. We will have with us an Infectious Disease Fellow, medications, and some very eager students to provide acute care to the community. This year, we are also happy to announce that we will be collaborating with several Pharmacy students from the University of Florida . They have been an enormous help in collecting donations of medicine for the community.

Health education is also an important aspect of our health service projects that help to educate the community on health issues they are currently facing and serves to prevent health problems in the future. In coordination with the Peace Corps Volunteer, we will be educating the community members on topics such as dental hygiene, proper sanitation, family planning, and sexual health.