Access has always been at the forefront of our work at Hillside! Our natural ecosystem plays a large role in our district’s access to resources, which contributes to the population’s overall health. The Toledo District, within which we work is locally referred to as the “Forgotten District of Belize”. It wasn’t until 2009 that the final segment of paved highway connecting us to the more developed northern districts was completed.
Additionally, 79-80% of the Toledo District lives below the poverty line, which is the highest rate in all of Belize. Much of the population here are Indigenous subsistence farmers, who often do not have access to running water nor electricity.
Our mobile clinics aim to combat the existing disparities within communities here, by bringing our top-notch health care to residents who may be unable to come to our Eldridgeville facility due to limitations in mobility, finances or other crucial resources. We bring mobile clinics to 16-18 villages where many existing barriers challenge communities access to healthcare.
And, some villages require getting more creative- we send our rehab department on a boat to Punta Negra, a place only accessible by boat!
Every year, an average of 9,800 people receive Hillside visits, and 7000+ community members and/or local students receive Hillside’s health education and guided learning. Numbers aside, Hillside prioritizes the healthcare provider and patient connection each and every day, and that’s the Hillside difference.
