ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT
Health Outreach is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated
to providing health services including public health, to impoverished people
in remote areas of developing countries with the goal of enhancing
lives.
PROFILE
Health Outreach is a group of health care providers dedicated to overseas charity
projects. Our work responds to people around the world in need of healthcare
... Care that members can easily provide when given the opportunity. The organization
is a non-profit and non-denominational international health organization based
in Toronto, Canada.
Timothy Lee, the founder of Health Outreach, traveled to Ecuador, South America,
in 1996, where he first witnessed the dental and medical deprivation of the children
of South America. Although the host organization was Foster Parents Plan of Canada,
he operated independently. He personally absorbed all expenses including travel.
On that trip, he was amazed at the living standards of children in remote communities.
Being alone on this trip, he had no means of helping the children with his skills
as a dentist. He did, however, notice how grateful the people were at receiving
something as simple as a toothbrush. Since then he vowed to commit a part of
his life to charity work.
Health Outreach was founded toward the end of 2001. The organization,
which supported him in the past on various projects in Guatemala, decided not
to proceed with planned projects after the events of September 11th, 2001. This did not
prevent him from assembling a small but dedicated dental team to travel to
Guatemala on January 27th, 2002. Health Outreach operated independently for the
first time. The sponsored community was Monterrico on the west coast of Guatemala.
A total of 147 people were seen in a very successful effort. On his return, Dr.
Lee discovered that there was no organization in Ontario actively involved
in dental projects to Central America. Most groups are based in Western Canada. He wanted
to form a group that would easily allow enthusiastic people in Ontario to participate
in charity projects. There were many like himself who could not commit
to lengthy trips but in their hearts wished to contribute personally.
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Timothy Lee administers Health Outreach with the support of four key individuals
with various roles. They make up the Board of Directors:
Timothy M. Lee
B.Sc, DDS, President (Dentistry)
Rajiv K. Arya
B.Sc.,DDS, LL.B, Executive Officer (Dentistry and Law)
Elizabeth Galarza
Treasurer (Translation and Dental Assisting)
Real Desrosiers
Director (Translation and Guide)
Monika Brenne
Secretary, Assistant Treasurer (Volunteer Coordinator, Dental Hygiene)
Health Outreach also has a dedicated presence at home. It actively collects and
donates dental and medical equipment and sundries, school supplies and clothing.
Through the collection and distribution of the vast number of new and/or usable
dental and medical items that, due to expiration dates or updated technology,
would normally be discarded, Health Outreach offers hope to those without access
to healthcare by operating temporary but effective humanitarian clinics.
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OUR ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS
To promote and further medical,
dental and allied health care to those in need, particularly children, in remote
areas of developing countries. Health Outreach attempts to
bridge the gap between health care workers and those in need in developing
countries. The factor usually lacking is skilled help. Most professionals cannot
give up a long period of time to contribute. Projects are intentionally short
but well organized to make for effective and successful efforts. It is a goal
of HEALTH OUTREACH to reach out to people living in remote areas.
To disseminate information and knowledge to
health care providers about the need for their skills in developing countries.
Health Outreach attempts to create a network of ongoing supporters, especially
those in health professions. The ultimate goal is to have individuals donate
their skills on future projects. The more exposure to information about actual
projects, the less intimidated individuals will feel about participating.
To encourage the development of sound ethical
and professional health care practices in all elements that may or will affect
children and adults in developing countries. Health Outreach understands
the limitations of its short-term efforts. Thus, it attempts to pass on information
and skills to workers and families during visits. Volunteers attempt to educate
nationals how to maintain the health of their community and teach preventative
medicine to the public.
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To offer a forum through regular meetings and
open communication, for members to offer and exchange new ideas and concepts,
raise issues of personal and global concern regarding the promotion and betterment
of health care in developing countries. Health Outreach believes
that exposure to health problems in developing countries will raise sincere
concern among Canadians.
To raise the level of public awareness with
respect to the need for health care to children and adults in developing
countries, particularly in remote areas.
To instill the feeling of hope and positivity
in isolated communities. The Canadian presence is motivating to
peoples in developing countries. Canada has a great reputation for fostering
peace and goodwill. Often, isolated communities do not even receive support
from their own government. This leads to a feeling of abandonment. By distributing
essential items such as health home care aids and clothing; communities
may have a better outlook for the future.
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