Casa de Salud Chicuma-Canada Inaugurated August 21, 2013

Hundreds of community members turned out on August 21, 2013 to participate in the inauguration of Chicuma's Casa de Salud.  El Salvador's Vice President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, Canadian Ambassador to El Salvador Pierre Giroux, Mayor of Nueva Concepcion "Meme" Portillo, Audelia Lopez, FMLN member of the national assembly for Chalatenango, and members of the VP's Social Action Commission attended to cut the ribbon and reveal a permanent sign to celebrate the solidarity of contributors from Nova Scotia to this important community project.  The Casa de Salud Chicuma-Canada will serve more than 365 residents, in Chicuma, as well as the surrounding communities of El Salitre and Hacienda Vieja, approximately two hours by rough road from the closest city and medical clinic in Nueva Concepcion.
  
Vice President Sanchez Ceren said "this community health centre was a heap of rubble - the only original building left in the community after the conflict."  When the Vice President's office learned of the difficulties that existed in the community, the Social Action Committee coordinated regular visits of a doctor to work with the community to develop a voluntary Health Committee and attend to primary healthcare needs.  "This support is the product of the will and solidarity of Canadians.  When people work together, peace and development are possible," said the Vice President.

Project coordinators in El Salvador and Canada will continue to work with potential donors and collaborators to develop the next phase of the clinic - furnishing and outfitting with basic furniture and medical equipment.  The clinic has a small bedroom on one side of the building to house a visiting physician, an examination room, and an outdoor area in the back for meetings.

Thanks to the wonderful people of Halifax, Nova Scotia that have contributed to this worthwhile project.  Watch for a fabulous Phase II fundraiser in the fall!!

To see pictures of the inauguration, click here:
https://plus.google.com/photos/105322768940911860235/albums/5915342445724185729?authkey=CJqRu4XYh96R7QE  

To see a short video of the inauguration (campaign style), click here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0gF1reZrj2U