Project objectives: Surveys about disabilities, immunizations, dental and health issues, including an annual collection of patient statistics for analysis.  

Our Partner: Clinica Esperanza (clinicaesperanza.org) provides low/no-cost medical care to the people of Roatán. At the medical clinic and hospital, people can receive services from the walk-in medical clinic, women’s health center, pediatrics, birthing center, and dental clinic including a laboratory and pharmacy. The clinic also provides outreach clinics, community health education programs, and school health screenings for vision and oral health. 

The Clinic is located in Sandy Bay, Roatán and all people are welcome. The Clinic treats approximately 100-150 patients in a typical day usually about 65% adults and 35% children. It operates five days per week, starting at 8:00am and finishing at 4:00pm. More than 5,000 patients consider the Clinic to be their primary medical care provider. In 2023, the clinic saw over 29,000 patients and dispensed 89,000 prescriptions. 

Due to the limited number of medical facilities available on Roatán, patients come from all corners of the island and the mainland to seek treatment or medications. The Clinic provides a needed service to people who would otherwise likely not seek treatment due to costs and the crowded condition of the local public hospital. 

Clinical Esperanza has partnered with the SRT program for eleven years and projects have focused on topics, including vision problems, immunizations, dental services, and disability well-being. Roatán has a significant population with the diagnosis of Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness on the island. In addition, studies have been performed to document immunization uptake in children, dental service requirements, and a convenience census of patients with disabilities.  Each year the study performed is at the request of the clinic administration. Team members will collaborate with clinic staff in the spring semester prior to departure for Roatan to design a project and plan for the summer.  

Clinic Support Projects to date:  

Immunization Intervention Assessment:  

In 2018, Duke students completed immunization surveys in the community, providing data that allowed Clinica Esperanza to begin providing immunizations to the local community.  The 2024 team followed up on the previous study, surveying families to determine if the immunization rates of children in the local area have improved since 2018.  

Disability Census: 

In 2023, a sample of patients, doctors, and clinics were interviewed to document the number of people with disabilities on the island. The hope was that with this information a day-home might be created for these patients so their family members could continue to work.  

Dental Care in Children: 

Several years ago team members undertook a survey of dental care in children who visit the clinic. The dental project will continue but they have a dental team from Michigan that comes every year so this will probably not continue as a Duke project. 

Vision Screening: 

Students have performed Snelling chart vision screenings on students in the local schools between 3rd and 10th grade. This has been performed for many years in the past and could continue this year if the clinic wishes.  They have used this data to assess whether certain demographic characteristics are associated with vision problems. 

Deliverables: 

Final deliverables will be planned with Kallie Vallecillo who is the COO of Clinica Esperanza.  Peggy Stranges who started the clinic is now fully retired.  Team members should expect to compile the data from the study chosen for the summer; complete preliminary analysis; identify prevalence patterns or additional issues emerging from these screening processes and create reports as needed for clinic use.  

In addition, there will be time to do volunteer work in the community close to the clinic working with children as tutors, helping with English or homework, and playing sports with the children at a local school or Sol Foundation (non-profit). Roatán is a safe and beautiful environment.  Housing is provided and other students/faculty from the US and abroad may be in the housing complex while you are there. There is also plenty of sunshine and the options for water activities in your free time.