Thanks to an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Nancy Comello, midwives in Guatemala are receiving training and are able to train others to deliver healthy babies.
Nancy, a Madison West Middleton Club Rotarian, spoke to the Waunakee Club about the initial grant she applied for in 2019 and a follow up currently in the works to continue the efforts of Supporting Save Birth, Inc.
An OB outreach educator at Meriter UW-Health, Nancy described the topography of Guatemala, which is situated just south of Mexico along the equator. It has a number of volcanoes and mountainous, potholed roads. Midwives in rural areas deliver babies, and in some cases are not properly trained
Nancy’s organization, which takes medical volunteers and teaching supplies to Guatemala, provides a curriculum for Guatemalan master trainers, and the manikins and other supplies needed.
Now the organization is looking to train first responders, such as firefighters, as they can be called to help pregnant women who may deliver during long ambulance rides.
Nancy described the collaboration with local institutions there, such as Galileo University. Currently, she is working on the next grant, hoping to partner with other Rotary Clubs in District 6250, as the district is now matching clubs’ contributions, which will then be matched by Rotary International.
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Other News
The Waunakee Village Board has voted to fix the clock at Reeve Park donated by Rotary, so the correct time will show more than just once a day.
President Tony Burns presented John Reuter with a Paul Harris award. Congratulations, John!
The club also inducted a new member, Danae Marsh, who is the manager of Lamphouse Apartments. Welcome Danae! We’re looking forward to inducting Cyndi Kennedy, as well.
Coming Up
Feb. 6-7: Rotarians will meet at Chet's Car Care to pack medical supplies to ship to Honduras.
Feb. 17: Morning fellowship at Grace Coffee, 7:15 a.m.
March 28: Easter Bunny Drive-Thru at Ripp Park
April 17: Tri-Con Convention
April 17: Chips & Chips Fundraiser
Guests: Dr. Nancy Comello; Cyndi Kennedy, guest of Bill Kennedy.
Visiting Rotarian: Dr. Nancy Comello
Greeters: Jan. 29, Jen Tasker and Phil Willems; Feb. 5, Shelley Moffatt and ???; Feb. 12, David May and ???; Feb. 19 ???
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
