HISTORY

In the spring of 1999, the Jericho Road Foundation International (JFRI) was searching for a meaningful global project to support. A feasibility team was assembled to travel to Belize for the purpose of surveying which of the country’s needs JFRI might be able to meet. This team, which was comprised of an architect, an attorney, a strategic planner, and the Executive Director of the foundation, traveled together for a weeklong fact-finding trip after which they decided to focus their efforts on health care. After assessing the country’s health care needs and consulting with Belizean officials, the team concluded that the Toledo District was the region in greatest need of a proposed clinic. The decision was made by JFRI to dedicate itself to creating a faith-based facility in the Punta Gorda, Toledo District. An alliance was formed with the Medical College of Wisconsin, and they agreed to provide doctors and assist with supplying medications and other medical goods for the clinic.

 

On November 26, 2000, the clinic was officially dedicated at its current location on Poppyshow Road in Eldridgeville, outside of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, Belize. The opening ceremonies were honored with the attendance of Rt. Honorable George Price (often referred to as the “father of modern Belize”) along with other local dignitaries and representatives of JFRI. The organizational name Jericho Road Foundation international was changed to Hillside Health Care International (HHCI) in 2004. HHCI continues to operate as a faith-based facility providing health care to an underserved population. Numerous alliances have been established over the project’s lifetime, enabling it to continue to fulfill its mission.