Concern America

Gabriel Gámez, Field Report, Fall 2025

Concern America — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:08:44 +0000

Gabriel Gámez, Field Report, Fall 2025

For many years, I have had the good fortune of working alongside health promoters and midwives from diverse communities and cultural backgrounds. I have always been impressed by how much can be done for the community with just a little attention, love, and empathy. Many times, as a team, we have discussed the reach of our program and how it can support people in need of comprehensive, dignified care. Yet every so often, a small moment of clarity appears—something that pulls us out of routine and helps us see the details we sometimes overlook.

I live in a small community of 30 families. Although it’s relatively close to one of the more urban areas of Petén, the community still faces many challenges: limited services, poor access to basic needs, and few opportunities for economic growth. Most families here have very few financial resources and even fewer job prospects.

From the outside, one might assume that being near a health post or hospital would ensure everyone has access to decent care. But many of my neighbors approach the public health system with caution and mistrust—after years of hidden costs, inconsistent care, and poor-quality services. This is even more pronounced in elderly patients.

Two years ago, my neighbors contacted me because the mother, Doña Sofía, was very ill. The team and I visited her and found a woman in her late seventies experiencing a crisis with her glucose levels. She had been taken to various clinics—public and private—but nothing had improved. The last doctor she saw told the family they should prepare for her imminent passing. She had been prescribed a long list of medications: antihypertensives, glucose regulators, antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, and sedatives.

At that point, she was not speaking. She was disoriented, heavily sedated, and unable to care for herself.

In consultation with the team and advisors, most of her medications were discontinued. It was explained to the family that we could try improving her health by stabilizing her glucose levels and avoiding unnecessary treatments.

With support from the practitioners, we shared information and trained the family on how to care for someone with diabetes. She needed insulin, and now—two years later—she remains stable under our program’s monitoring. She still requires high doses of NPH insulin, but she is alert, engaged, and able to care for herself as much as possible at her age.

As a result, other people have come to our house seeking support in moments of need. Two months ago, we were asked to check on Don José, age 87, who was very ill. Julia, the other field volunteer, examined him and found a case of prostatitis with signs of sepsis and an inability to urinate, as well as advanced aspiration pneumonia. Thankfully, he responded well to antibiotics, and treatment for his prostate condition has allowed him to recover quickly. Once again, a doctor had told the family not to expect him to survive.

In recent months, we have had visits from patients seeking support for diabetes, pneumonia, skin fungus, and more. They are my neighbors—people who could have gone to the hospital or health center, but who do not trust a system that has treated them with indifference for so long. Or they simply do not have the resources to pay for very expensive treatments prescribed without consideration for their socioeconomic conditions.

I pause to think about how a community health program in Las Cruces manages to reach, quietly and sometimes unexpectedly, a small town 75 km away. This time, I am glad to have been part of that chain of people who manage to cover so much ground. In the same way, I see patients arriving in search of care who live many hours and many kilometers away. They find high-quality care—but equally important, care delivered with warmth. I think of all the people who form this chain as it grows and expands more and more… and we build community.

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San Miguel de Allende Integrated Community Health Program

Concern America — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:36:57 +0000

San Miguel de Allende Integrated Community Health Program

by Perla Pichardo, MD - November, 2025

In response to Concern America’s expansion in the last few years, we have both expanded the size of local program teams and, when necessary, hired new field volunteers. Our newest team member is Dr. Perla Pichardo, who serves on our new health program outside of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

We currently support nine field volunteers. It costs Concern less than $15,000 to fully support a field volunteer: a monthly stipend, health insurance, housing, and travel home each year. Each volunteer works with several midwives, health promoter practitioners, and other local leaders, as well as the local team members who continue to carry out most program activities. As a result, more than 300,000 people in Guatemala, Mexico, and Colombia have local and affordable services.

As this year winds to a close, and to give a glimpse into what you have made possible this year with your generosity, we share Perla’s first field report. Click the button below to read her report!

Read Perla's Report!

The post San Miguel de Allende Integrated Community Health Program first appeared on Concern America.

Midwife Training Center Progress

Concern America — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 17:16:23 +0000

Watch the Midwife Training Center Transform!

As our Midwife Matching Campaign continues, we’re excited to share the incredible progress being made in Petén, Guatemala. They have already begun laying the foundation of the new training center, which will be the second story of the program’s existing dental clinic! This new space will provide more room for training, a place to stay while at courses, and an ideal environment for learning.

🎥 Watch the short video tour, led by Gabriel Gamez, a Concern America field volunteer since 2011. Gabriel walks us through the vision for the Midwife Training and Health Center, which will be located on the program’s training and clinic site.

Already, the small campus includes the dental clinic, a physical therapy and mental health room, pharmacy, two dormitories, kitchen for the clinic for course participants, and the program’s Teaching Clinic offering essential care to thousands, while training new practitioners alongside advanced health providers.

Right now, many meetings and courses, especially midwife trainings, must be held outdoors or at another organization’s facility over an hour away. Weather, travel, and limited availability have been major challenges. This new training center will change that by becoming a dedicated hub for midwife courses and other vital health programs.

Your support helps us:

Train and accompany new and experienced midwives
Improve care for 26,000 mothers, babies, and their families
Build healthier communities through trust and connection

Together, we can ensure more women receive quality and accessible care that honors their language, culture, and dignity.

Double Your Impact Here!

Look at the Progress!

We are very happy with the progress and are so excited to share more with you soon. We are still getting closer and closer to our $70,000 goal thanks to you. Thank you for your support!

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Walk Out of Poverty History

Concern America — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:50:39 +0000

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Make a difference today

Hello Friend,

We hope you can join us for a historical event over 40 years in the making! Concern America’s Walk Out of Poverty is an opportunity to help build a more just future one step at a time.

The first ‘Hunger Walk’ began in 1976 where our early supporters gathered to walk across Orange County in solidarity with those living in material poverty, raising funds to address the basic needs that many are still without: health care, clean water, and the absence of economic opportunities. This first Walk generated $1,330.

Former Board Member Diane Rezendes taking a break during 1983’s Hunger Walk

A group of walkers raise awareness walking with signs in 1983’s Hunger Walk

Our annual ‘Hunger Walk’ was later changed to ‘Walk Out of Poverty’ in 1997 and since then, has grown in participation, donations, and sponsors, with up to 800 walkers and raising over $85,000!

Walkers join together at the 4th Hunger Walk in 1979

Concern America Volunteers check-in excited walkers before the 1988 Hunger Walk begins

We Turn Walking into Action

The work of Concern America’s trained field volunteers, health promoter practitioners, water system builders, and educators is currently impacting the living conditions of over 255,000 people. Even more so, the transformative work of Concern America’s community-led health and community development models invests in the people themselves, building upon their own experiences, knowledge and skills to save and sustain lives.

However, we recognize that 1 in 10 people (785 million) still lack basic services (World Health Organization, 2019) and are further impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

This is why we need you. If you believe in the power of long-term solutions, in the power of people coming together to change an unjust system, join us. If you believe in supporting community members living in material poverty, as they become their own health care providers, water system builders, educators, and artisan cooperative members and owners, we ask you to join us.

Together, let’s walk out of poverty and create community-led health care that works for all.

80’s fashion and exuberant smiles, these Orange County youth hold a banner in support of Concern America’s Hunger Walk.

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The Benefit of Quick Testing and Treatment For Women

Concern America — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:45:21 +0000

Dear Friends,

Because of your generous support, health promoter practitioners and midwives continue their amazing work of expanding and deepening access to health care in regions where no other health care options exist. In addition to being the primary health care providers in their communities, practitioners have also been greatly expanding their skills, tools, and services to address more needs.

Eva Alicia, who recently finished her studies as the region’s only physical therapist, shared an insightful report on the remarkable advancements in women’s health care in Guatemala. Practitioners and midwives have gained new skills and tools for detecting and treating cervical cancer. This disease is the fourth leading cause of death for women in Latin America.

In addition to affordable pap smears, pelvic exams, and cervical biopsies that practitioners and midwives have been providing for years, they are now able to quickly treat dysplasia and develop an immediate plan if cancer is found.

Your support has allowed Concern America to continue to grow and expand in the ways that communities need. None of these advancements would be possible without you.

Thank you for making such a meaningful difference! This is what global hearts can do. ❤❤

Cat Quinn

Field Program Director

Women’s Health Report:

Good day, friends. This is your team member Eva Alicia from Guatemala greeting you.

Earlier this month, the women’s team in Guatemala carried out our monthly screening day for cervical cancer detection. To be honest, for several days now I’ve wanted to send my deepest thanks for providing us with support to obtain the thermocoagulation equipment, which will benefit many communities.

Reflecting a bit on when I first began my training as a health promoter, I also supported the Pap smear campaigns we conducted in 2004. The women waiting outside didn’t want to come in for a consultation with me because they said I was too young, and they felt embarrassed. And truthfully, I was also embarrassed to examine the older women, but I was also aware that it was work requiring a great deal of respect and responsibility.

We spoke with them, and little by little, they adapted, until now they say, “I want to go with her.” Haha.

Then we faced challenges with delivering Pap smear results, which was quite complicated due to the distances and financial costs. In 2007, with a local NGO, we took a few weeks of training to learn how to perform VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid). It was a good experience for me personally, and it also made the work easier. We could provide results immediately and treat any precancerous lesions on the cervix that we found.

Additionally, if we saw any signs of suspected cancer, we could do the biopsy right then and there. I feel happy doing this work, as over the years it has brought a lot of learning and experience.

I also want to share that I’ve been an instructor several times, teaching other women in the west about VIA. On one occasion, there was a gynecologist who didn’t know me, and he seemed a bit unsure of my abilities, haha. And he had a point—he had to make sure I knew what I was doing. So, when the first patients came in for the exam, the instructor has to teach the students, and the gynecologist was there to see if I could handle it. Well, I did the entire procedure, and afterward, he sat down and said, “The speculum is very well placed, great technique,” and regarding the results, he always asked for the instructor’s opinion, and we agreed on the diagnosis and treatment…

During the years of the Maya Petén program in Las Cruces, we’ve been fighting to prevent cancer, especially cervical cancer.

I just wanted to mention that sometimes we hold VIA screening campaigns in communities, which had been a challenge because carrying the nitrous oxide tank was so heavy. Plus, we left at dawn, always just us women. We managed to load the tank into the car, but it was a bit tough. It also took a few days of logistics to fill the nitrous oxide tank.

Now that we have the thermocoagulation equipment, it will make our work much easier, and I’m very happy to be able to provide treatments for women with limited resources.

The thermocoagulation equipment will benefit many women from the most remote communities. Some communities are 3 to 4 hours away from Las Cruces, and I’m excited to hold more campaigns during this time with the thermocoagulation equipment to bring the benefit of quick testing and treatment to the women, if necessary.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your great support. A big hug.

Save the Date!

Join us for the Annual Concern America Staff Craft Sale at the Quinn-Straw House on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5–8 PM!

Explore fair trade, handmade art from our co-ops, enjoy light refreshments, and savor delicious tacos from a local chef.

📍 Quinn-Straw House

1233 W. Marion Way, Santa Ana

Questions? Call or email info@concernamerica.org

We can’t wait to see you!

RSVP Here!

Click here to browse our marketplace items!

The post The Benefit of Quick Testing and Treatment For Women first appeared on Concern America.

New Crafts

Concern America — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:51:34 +0000

Hello John,

With the holiday season upon us, we’re excited to introduce our latest collection of beautiful, fair-trade crafts! From unique, eco-friendly fashion pieces to handcrafted kitchen items, there’s something special for everyone. Each item is thoughtfully sourced to bring a global touch from head – to – toe – to- home!🏡

To shop our fair trade marketplace, we invite you to visit our office during our regular hours, Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm and Friday 8am to 2pm. You can also shop anytime online!🛍️

Also, 📅 save the date for After Hours Craft Days! We’ll be open late on December 9, 10, and 11 from 8 am to 7 pm—the perfect time to stock up on stocking stuffers, gifts, and fair-trade treasures! 🎁✨

Warm Wishes,

Sandra Dones

Craft Program and Outreach Coordinator

Eco Friendly Craft Picks!

Earth Day 2024

Concern America — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:10:20 +0000

Happy Earth Day!

Hello Friend,

🌍🌱🌻 Happy Earth Day! 🌎🌿🌼

Read below for our Earth Day message, our Walk updates, and exciting news on our new water filters in Colombia!

Today, as we celebrate the beauty and abundance that our planet offers us, let’s take a moment to reflect on the essential gifts it provides: clean water, nutritious food, stable climates, and the intricate balance of ecosystems that sustain life as we know it.

It’s imperative that we acknowledge the urgent need for change to restore Earth’s delicate equilibrium. Each of us holds the power to make a difference. As we contemplate our individual impact, it’s also vital to recognize how the current climate crisis is jeopardizing these fundamental necessities for our friends and community members in severely affected areas.

Let’s join hands in committing to meaningful action to safeguard our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. It brings us much joy that we are already walking together in the work of Concern America. Below are some updates on our work, as well as a link to our most recent print newsletter that is our annual report. 🤝🌿🌏

Warm Regards,

John Straw

Executive Director

“Water is Abundant,

Clean Water is Not”

Our Colombia team has received 100 new water filters!! Woohoo! 🎉

Northwestern Colombia is located amongst many rivers that provide access to water to many communities and families: water is abundant, but clean water is not. As discussed in our previous E-News recounting the amazing work being done with our new microscope in the Guatemala program, parasites and diseases are caused by the consumption of unclean water, a leading cause of child mortality throughout the world. Through these new water filters, it is saving the lives of many by putting the massive resources of water to use and purifying it so it is safe for human consumption. Yet another amazing achievement! 🌟💧

Walk Out Of Poverty:

👟👟We Made It!!👟👟

You joined us in achieving our ambitious $100,000 fundraising milestone, empowering communities in Latin America with life-saving and sustaining health care, clean water, education, and income opportunities! Let’s celebrate how much we’ve accomplished together and look forward to the progress still ahead!

We’re still fundraising till May 1st so if you still wanted to take part in sustainable and global change click the button below!

The post Earth Day 2024 first appeared on Concern America.

Celebrating the Life of Paul Fairbrook

Concern America — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 22:16:15 +0000

Dear John,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Concern America co-founder, Paul Fairbrook, on October 2, 2023. Paul and his wife Peig, together with Sean and Una O’Farrell, started Concern America at their kitchen table in Stockton, CA in 1972.

Founding Concern America is just one of Paul’s many successes in life, and we have included, below, his obituary so that you can get a sense of his rich life. Paul lived every one of his 100 years with a passion for making the world a better place, and always with a smile.

In 2020, as we celebrated Concern America’s 50^th anniversary, we had the joy of communicating frequently with Paul, as he and Peig shared stories of the early years of Concern. We are thankful that they sat down for an extended interview, with key parts of it included in our 50^th anniversary documentary short, “50 Years of Concern America.” We invite you to watch again to hear from Paul and remember his incredible spirit and love for Concern America and for a better world for all.

Thank you, Paul. And, much love and support to you Peig, and your family, as you mourn and celebrate the life of an amazing human.

With gratitude and in peace,

John Straw,

Executive Director

Paul Fairbrook

August 21, 1923 – October 2, 2023

Paul Fairbrook died peacefully at 100 years old on October 2, 2023. Predeceased by his son Colman and daughter Susan, Paul leaves his wife Peig, daughter Carolyn, son John, son Bob and brother George as well as 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Born on August 21, 1923, in Berlin, Germany, Paul and his family left Germany in 1933 to escape Nazi persecution, and after a brief time in Palestine settled in New York City. At 18, Paul joined the US Army. He served in Military Intelligence and was one of “The Ritchie Boys”. With information these intelligence officers gathered from interrogating German prisoners, he helped write the “Order of Battle Book” which outlined for the US Army the structure and plans of the German Army.

Paul was Directory of Auxiliary Services at the University of the Pacific for more than 20 years after a varied career in food service including serving as Dean of the Culinary Institute of America and as an international food service consultant. He wrote and published several books about the food service industry.

Paul was very active in the Stockton community – serving on the Port Commission, active in the Temple Israel community, and raising money for a variety of causes. His special interest was Stockton’s St. Mary’s Dining Room which offers services to Stockton residents who are homeless or living in poverty. He designed St. Mary’s modern kitchen which was later named after him to honor his contributions.

Paul will be remembered for his generous spirit, his boundless energy, and his enthusiasm. He was always interested in others and their lives, and in finding ways to help people who needed support.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Israel on Sunday, October 15 at 2:00. Donations in Paul’s memory can be given to St. Mary’s Dining Room or to Temple Israel in Stockton.

Posted online on October 06, 2023

Published in The Stockton Record

Concern America

2015 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706 | 714-953-8575

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm PST

The post Celebrating the Life of Paul Fairbrook first appeared on Concern America.

Remembering Concern America Founder Paul Fairbrook

Concern America — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:40:25 +0000

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Dear Friend,

Thank you, Paul. And, much love and support to you Peig, and your family, as you mourn and celebrate the life of an amazing human.

With gratitude and in peace,

John Straw,

Executive Director

Paul Fairbrook

August 21, 1923 – October 2, 2023

Paul will be remembered for his generous spirit, his boundless energy, and his enthusiasm. He was always interested in others and their lives, and in finding ways to help people who needed support.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Israel on Sunday, October 15 at 2:00. Donations in Paul’s memory can be given to St. Mary’s Dining Room or to Temple Israel in Stockton.

Posted online on October 06, 2023

Published in The Stockton Record

Concern America

2015 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706 | 714-953-8575

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm PST

The post Remembering Concern America Founder Paul Fairbrook first appeared on Concern America.