Puerto Rico Women's Health Disaster Response

Dear activist community,

What a summer it's been... from conflict to elections to vaccines, we've been overwhelmed. But one thing that has really defined these past couple of months is the unprecedented number of natural disasters that have hit our collective shores. From the life threatening heat waves in the Pacific Northwest of the US, to the fatal flooding in Germany, the Netherlands, and even New York City, to the devastating hurricane Ida in Haiti. It is impossible to deny that climate change's life-alterating impacts are here.

And we at COHI know all too well what devastating impacts this will have on vulnerable women and girls, who always experience greater health risks in times of disaster. From our work in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, to our work with Texas climate refugees affected by the Harvey Flooding in 2017. One of our greatest achievements has been the work we've been able to do with our partner birth clinic in Puerto Rico, which still has not recovered from Hurricane Maria. 

Which is why we're prioritizing the transition towards sustainable public health, in every sense of the word. We've already been able to install solar panels on the roof of the Puerto Rican birth clinic, but we can't stop there. Right now, we're raising the funds needed to ensure that all of our power comes from sustainable sources, that our mobile clinics are equipped with gas-saving systems, and that our medical waste is recycled whenever possible.

But, despite the long-term cost saving effects of sustainable work, it is expensive for us to be making these transitions. However, as we work with women who lost their homes and loved ones to Maria, we are reminded of the necessity of this work. Will you join us in making our sector that much healthier?

In gratitude, 

COHI Staff & Board