Playing a Supporting Role
When doctors and nurses from Bainbridge began treating patients on Ometepe in 1991, the island had only a single doctor. Today, the Ometepe medical system has grown to include at least nine health posts — each with a doctor and at least one nurse — a large health center, and one basic services hospital, all of which provide free care. Over time, our Health Committee’s focus has shifted. Rather than delegations travelling to Ometepe to provide direct care, committee members now work to support Ometepe’s own health care providers.
Delegations of health providers to Ometepe in 2009 and 2011 and from Ometepe to Bainbridge Island in 2014 strengthened relationships and clarified ways in which Sister Islands’ funding can help. The health committee has provided grants to Ometepe health centers for improvements to infrastructure and for acquiring educational materials. Seven health care workers on Ometepe completed their nursing degrees through health committee scholarships. Additionally, the health committee has funded the services of the first psychologist serving Ometepe, a former BOSIA scholarship student.
Current health committee projects include:
- Ongoing funding for a psychologist with a focus on intrafamily violence and sexual abuse that includes group and individual therapy, treatment and referral. Support for the psychologist allows for educational training and consultations to healthcare providers to increase knowledge in diagnosis. Additionally, community health initiatives connected to mental health (suicide prevention, youth education, community trauma response) are ongoing and in coordination with four other psychologists serving Ometepe. Direct therapeutic support for suicide prevention and response is provided.
- A partnership with the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club to fund support groups in 10 communities across the Island. Under the supervision of the BOSIA-supported psychologist, two community facilitators are trained to lead groups of up to 10 community members who are survivors of intrafamily violence, sexual abuse, and/or suicidal ideation. The purpose of the support groups is to help women practice strategies to help them heal from historical events and maltreatment with the hope of improving their wellbeing and preventing suicidal ideation. Groups offer a safe space for both shared and individual learning and healing.
