| This year presents both challenges and exciting opportunities to Clínica de Familia La Romana to continue serving its community with dedication and empathy. This journey has not been without hardship. The recent termination of Clínica de Familia’s USAID-funded project, which focused on providing HIV prevention services, as well as outreach and care to people with HIV, has deeply affected the clinic’s ability to serve some of the most vulnerable members of the community. With the construction of a new building beginning soon, Clínica de Familia is embarking on one of the most transformative milestones in its history. This expansion represents more than just bricks and mortar — it is a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, quality healthcare to those who need it most. The new facility will strengthen existing services, introduce new healthcare options, and expand the capacity to offer a greater range of services to our clients. In the face of these challenges, Clínica de Familia remains steadfast in its mission. The unwavering support of friends and partners makes a significant difference in building a stronger, more resilient Clínica de Familia—one that not only meets the current needs of the community but is prepared to face the challenges of the future. |
USAID Grant Terminated
As you may have heard, the Trump administration recently froze all foreign aid, including global health funds allocated under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID programs. Unfortunately, this decision has led to the official termination of our USAID-funded grant as of February 27. This grant, valued at approximately $200,000 annually, was in the middle of its third year of a five-year cycle. It has been instrumental in supporting Clínica de Familia’s Enhanced HIV Services forEpidemic Control project, enabling us to provide high-quality, person-centered HIV prevention,care, and treatment services. A key focus of this program was serving Haitian immigrants and those of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, who are disproportionately affected by HIV.
The consequences of this funding loss have been immediate and severe:
- The termination initially put at risk the positions of 16 dedicated staff members. Thanks to donations from many of you over the last several weeks, we have secured their retention at the clinic, which is a significant relief.
- Nearly all project activities have ceased, directly impacting the communities that depend on these life-saving services. While we have been able to fund some programmatic activities, there are still critical gaps.
While our fundraising efforts have helped mitigate some of the immediate impacts, we still need additional support to ensure:
- Coverage of routine laboratory testing for our clients with HIV.
- Coverage of laboratory testing for our clients on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a highly effective HIV prevention intervention.
Transportation funds for community outreach to follow up with newly diagnosed clients and those lost to follow-up or at risk of being lost to follow-up. This outreach is crucial for retention and adherence. Additionally, these funds will support outreach efforts for clients who cannot reach the clinic due to fear of immigration raids, ensuring they still receive essential medical care.
SUPPORT US
Your ongoing support has always been instrumental in helping us serve over 50,000 individuals annually. Now, more than ever, we need your help to bridge this funding gap and ensure that our most vulnerable clients do not lose access to essential care. We humbly ask for your support to help us weather the current crisis. Contributions of any amount will make a tangible difference. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to health equity.
The Future of Clínica de Familia La Romana is Beginning to Take Shape!
At Children’s Global Health Fund (CGHF), we are committed to supporting sustainable healthcare initiatives that transform lives. That’s why we are thrilled to share a major milestone in our journey with Clínica de Familia La Romana. After celebrating our 25th anniversary and ground-breaking event for our new facility, the clinic completed the competitive bidding process, and selected Dominican construction company Armadura Sofía S.R.L. to oversee the construction of the newbuilding, which will allow us to expand access to high-quality healthcare for thousands in the community. We are also proud to recognize UREVAL, the architectural firm responsible for the design of the new building. Their vision will help create a state-of-the-art, sustainably designed facility that reflects the clinic’s dedication to comprehensive care.
Watch the 25th-anniversary video and see how Clínica de Familia continues to make a difference. Join us in celebrating this incredible progress.
