Dispensario Los Ortiz
Providing Healthcare to the Community
The Ortiz family has been in Las Mercedes, Cerro El Tigre, El Salvador since 1886, and they have always cooperated with its surrounding community in different ways.
The Idea of the clinic started in 1979, when the Ortiz family organized a small place which was assisted by a nurse. Sadly it had to be closed because of the political violence in the years 1982-1991. Nevertheless, the idea was always in Roberto Ortiz Avalos and family heart, so this year the idea became a reality, thanks in part to Glasswing (Non-governmental organization) and USAID. With their cooperation, the construction started in August and was inaugurated past Wednesday, 11 of December.
The Clinic will have a permanent nurse and a doctor which its main objective will be health prevention and to assist common diseases and if it is necessary to refer them to the nearest hospital.
The clinic construction has an office and examination room for the doctor including its own bathroom, totaling an area of 26m2.
There is a second area for the nurse, which includes her office and storage space for medicines and medical equipment required for the operation of the clinic, with a total area of 24 m2.
The third area is a waiting room which has the capacity to seat 25 to 30 people, while they wait for their turn to see the doctor or nurse. This area has 28m2 of construction. By the way, this room has been furnished with beautiful and comfortable benches made of wood extracted from the farm.
And last but not least, the clinic has its own public bathroom area, which is an important project in which our friends Klatch Roasting Micro roaster of the Year 2009 and PT's Coffee Roasting Co. 2009 Macro Roaster of the Year have cooperated in Las Mercedes´s Clinic. Using a normal bathroom may be a common thing for a lot of people, but here in El Salvador, and especially in the rural zones, people don’t know how to use them. They use bathrooms called FOSA which is a hole in the ground (latrine).
One of the objectives here at the clinic is promoting personal hygiene, which includes teaching how to use bathrooms with running water. This is an important project in preventing diseases especially those that attack the digestive system. Our friends Klatch Roasting Micro roaster of the Year 2009 and PT's Coffee Roasting Co. 2009 Macro Roaster of the Year have donated the equipment for these bathrooms.
The needs are many and we thank you for your continuous support in Las Mercedes' effort to upgrade the living standards of its surrounding community. The Ortiz Family has a firm commitment to cooperate in any new project, health, education, or public infrastructure.
What we do
Covid 19 Prevention
With the global pandemic assailing our country, our clinic provides our workers with daily temperature checks and basic check-ups. We also provide them with protective equipment and promote sanitary measures.
Medical Check-ups
The clinic provides free check-ups to all members of our staff and nearby communities. Staffed with a certified nurse 6 from Monday to Saturday and a doctor twice a week, our clinic guarantees the quality healthcare that every person deserves.
Medical Attention
Our clinic provides free treatment for injuries and illnesses and provides referrals to hospitals and other healthcare facilities for more complex procedures.
First Aid Education
The clinic conducts yearly first aid education to all the staff at the farm and provides first aid kits to all our caporales to use on the field
Vaccination Campaigns
Vaccination is key for a healthier community, yet the medical and transportation infrastructure of El Salvador can limit access to vaccines. At the clinic, we work with the Health Ministry and community leaders to provide access to vaccination and engage in vaccination campaigns.
Battling Against Dengue
Dengue is one of the most dangerous and widespread diseases in El Salvador. To battle against this disease, we work in coordination with the town of Santiago de María on fumigation campaigns. These campaigns help stop the spread of the mosquitos that carry the disease.
Cancer Prevention
Sadly we have lost a worker to cervix cancer. In light of this, we recently partnered with Nordstrom in conducting a breast and cervix cancer awareness campaign. Thanks to it, we were able to detect four cases of cervix cancer early on and are now receiving the appropriate treatment.
Taking Measurements
Knowing weight and height is important to determine if a child is developing well. It can be hard to get this information in rural communities, so Las Mercedes helps. We run yearly campaigns, going to schools, and taking the measurements of all the children to see if they are developing appropriately or if help can be given.
Respiratory Therapies
Respiratory problems are common in rural areas, but rarely can people get the attention required. We provide respiratory therapies to whoever might need it, cost-free.
Dental Procedures
Dental hygiene and healthcare are scarce in rural areas. Dispensario Los Ortiz aids those who need it with campaigns of dental healthcare.
