Heidi Shultz Memorial Hospital of Haiti Mejia- Dominican Republic

During the initial trips to the Dominican Republic, in addition to the housing and education needs identified, it was also discovered that there was a significant and desperate need for safe medical care, especially for obstetrical care.

Imagine this, a pregnant woman starts to experience contractions and instead of being able to comfortably rely on medical care available nearby she needs to rely on a friend with a moto (think a combination of a motorcycle and dirt bike) to safely deliver her to the closest hospital. In the dry season this is a three hour ride, but in the wet season, because of mud and flooding it is generally an impossible journey. Many streets are unpaved dirt paths and tragically, many women and their babies have died en route.

There are two particular community leaders who helped the team understand the depth of this problem and have continued to provide ongoing support in providing a solution, Fidel Hederia and Pastor Octavio Rey Serra. In early 2024 after much consideration it was decided to build a birthing hospital in a Batey called Haiti Mejia. This location was determined primarily because it is a fairly central location between Bateyes that currently have access to little or no medical services. Based on its locale the hospital will serve roughly 10,000 people and the next closest hospital is 40 kilometers (approximately 25 miles) away. Land was secured and plans quickly began towards this incredible project.The hospital will be a Level One hospital with the expectation of adding on for additional capacity and services in the future. This is undeniably Cling's largest and most complex project to date. 

In order to ensure that this hospital is not only built but able to function and run at full capacity, Cling is working on the ground with the government to ensure everything is done by code. There is also anticipated ongoing collaboration with the government to help with the provision of supplies, equipment and staffing. Once permits are approved, it is estimated that construction will take 18 months. 

As of fall 2024, the perimeter wall is near completion at which point a well will be dug to provide the community with clean water.