Clinica Esperanza (Hope Clinic)

 

I realized many of you may not know the incredible story behind what God has accomplished at Clínica Esperanza. Peggy Stranges, an experienced nurse from Ohio, moved to Roatán in 2001 not really knowing what God had in store. It was not too long after she arrived on the Island when people found out she was a nurse and began lining up outside her door to seek medical advice. Peggy began seeing patients in her kitchen which later on moved into her basement. In 2007, what started out as a small clinic in Peggy’s home had moved into a new 4,000+ square foot, two-story building named Clínica Esperanza. The new clinic building was made possible by many generous donations of money, construction materials, labor, and land.

Honduran student nurses

Clínica Esperanza continues to provide healthcare to the underserved population on the Island of Roatán through donated supplies, medications, and money to purchase supplies and reduce priced medications through the World Health Organization. The cost of a visit is 70 lempiras ($3.50) which includes a 30 day supply of medications and no one is turned away if unable to pay. Typically, we treat around 60-100 patients per day, depending on how many volunteers we have for the week. The Clinic is employed by Honduran staff and there are approximately 200 volunteers a year who come to work at the clinic. The clinic has two wonderful full-time physicians, Dr. Rafael Solis (Pediatrician) and Dr. Raymond Cherryington (Family Medicine). They also have a part-time OBGYN, full-time dentist, dental assistant, receptionist, administrator, environmental service lady, and guards 24/7. There is one employee, Karla, whose been working with Peggy since 2000, when she first started seeing patients in her home and is now in the process of completing her nursing degree. I really can’t say enough good things about the employees at Clínica Esperanza. They have all been so kind and welcoming to me, despite my broken Spanish skills, which I’m working on. 

Honduran nursing students and Me

                                 

storage room with medications & supplies

   

 S

Volunteer pharmacy student working by candlelight

Dr. Raymond Cherington (Family Practice)

        Dr. Rafael Solis (Pediatrician)