According to experts, it is the elderly population that is at most risk of death, especially those older than 70 years old. In Puerto Rico, 21% of the population is 65 years or older, many living under health, economic and social vulnerability. This population has been impacted negatively since Hurricane Maria and the most recent earthquakes in the South Region of Puerto Rico. Many of them living alone and under dire circumstances.
Challenge
The challenge is to identify where this population lives to provide education and preventing services, including the administration of COVID-19 tests, purchase and delivery of healthy food basket and medicines, and referrals to other community health clinics or medical institutions to minimize their risk of being infected with COVID-19 and save every life.
Solution
We will provide philanthropic investment to, initially 5 to 10, health community clinics and community-based organizations that can reach approximately 500 elderly, to strengthen during the following three months their work, including reaching out to the elder population by phone to learn about their health status, provide education and preventing services, including the administration of COVID-19 tests, purchase and delivery of healthy food basket and medicines, and provide referrals.
Long-Term Impact
Empower a collective approach to work with the health of the elder population, beyond the COVID-19.