Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Tom Cannon, MD

Danielle Pipher Clement, M.Ed, MSN, AGNP, WHNP

Elizabeth Cohen, MBA

Jordan Jones

Sara Lewis, MA

Tricia Markoff, PhD

Programs

Long reads

About

Casa Materna

"Guatemala was an unexpectedly amazing trip. I was unprepared for the country’s beauty and the warmth of everyone we met. We formed friendships I never anticipated, and this experience has permanently changed me. I came hoping to learn about labor and delivery, especially in rural areas, and I was blown away by the wealth of information shared in such a short time. I have immense admiration for the nurses and staff at Casa Materna. Their ability to provide care without hospitals, monitors, or a full pharmacy speaks volumes about their skill. I loved witnessing their commitment to the community, making long treks to check on pre- and post-partum women. I am truly grateful for this life-changing experience and hope to return soon." Duke School of Nursing student Lynzee reflects on her time volunteering with Impact Global Health Alliance.

Impact Global Health Alliance’s programs always center informed consent and decision-making; we empower women to make the best choices for their own health and well-being. Women deserve to give birth on their own terms whenever possible. Casa Maternas not only provide high quality medical care, but also provide culturally sensitive services that help put many mothers at ease. This is particularly important in our rural service areas, which are highly populated by Indigenous Mayan populations who often face cultural, linguistic, and financial barriers when seeking medical care.

When Alejandra went into labor in one of the most remote villages of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, she had good reason to be afraid. Postpartum hemorrhage — severe bleeding after childbirth — remains the leading cause of maternal death in Guatemala, where maternal mortality rates were once among the highest in the world. Thankfully, Alejandra had options. She set out on foot through the night for the Impact Global Health Alliance’s Casa Materna. She chose it because she trusted the people inside. The staff speak her language. The rooms feel like a home, not a hospital. The care she receives is low cost and free of fear and anxiety which keeps so many Indigenous Mayan women from seeking medical help at all.

“Soon over a dozen kids filled the hilly terrain, transforming the Casa Materna into a playground. I had no idea what game we were playing, whose children I was playing with, or what anyone was saying. I lost track of time as we rolled down hills together, showed off our cartwheels, and as I became the source of countless piggy back rides. As I tentatively watched the sun creep behind the mountains, the kids seemed to know. As each of them wrapped their tiny arms around me, I felt my heart swell. The children of Calhuitz, their laughter, their hugs, and their screams will always stay with me.” Volunteer Merry reflects on her time volunteering with us in Calhuitz, Guatemala.

What’s it like giving birth at one of our Casa Maternas? “Thanks to the support of the nurses, I felt calm, safe, and confident,” says María, a young first-time mother. “They also made sure the environment was peaceful and comfortable. They always respected my decisions, and that’s how my baby was born…Thanks to what the nurses taught me, my birth experience was beautiful.” Learn more about Maria’s story by visiting our website and reading “Our Stories”#HopeThroughHealth

Impact Global Health Alliance Essentials

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Kisii Kenya

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