How Raleigh-based Curamericas Global is helping vulnerable women and children here, around the world

Curamericas Global, a Raleigh-based nonprofit, is working to save the lives of women and children who live in forgotten communities - here in North Carolina and around the world.

Through it's work, Curamericas Global works to empower and educate families about important health practices and work with leaders to establish connections and resources for the community. For more than three decades, the group has helped countless families survive and thrive.

To learn more about this group that is doing incredible work right here in the Triangle, I checked in with one of its board of advisors. Dr. Karen Todd is a local mom, practicing pediatrician in Cary for 20 years and now the child medical examiner for SAFEchild in Raleigh. Here's a Q&A:

Go Ask Mom: What drew you to the mission of Curamericas Global?

Karen Todd: About 10 years ago, I participated in two medical mission trips to Guatemala with my church, St Francis of Assisi in Raleigh. I am a pediatrician, and our church sent a team of medical professionals to Las Margaritas II. Las Margaritas II is our "Sister Parish" in the northwestern part of Guatemala, with a friendly and humanitarian relationship of over 25 years. This long relationship helped to facilitate medical education and intervention, which eventually led to the local medical ministry of this region taking note that the village needed more routine and frequent visits from them. Since our missions, the village has been receiving monthly medical visits, in contrast to the twice yearly visits that were previously occurring. So, my interest in global public health began many years ago...

I met Curamericas Executive Director Andrew Herrera when we were both Masters of Public Health students at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2016. He shared the Curamericas story and mission with me, and I was immediately intrigued by the idea of low-cost but highly efficacious delivery of maternal and child healthcare.

GAM: Curamericas has helped more than 1 million people around the globe, which is amazing. Tell us about some of the projects you're most proud of?

KT: The Curamericas model of the Casa Materna, to reduce childbirth and neonatal complications, is an amazing way to reduce morbidity and mortality among mothers and their young children. Although I am new to the Curamericas organization, I very much look forward to making the journey back to Guatemala to participate in this highly successful public health intervention.

Curamericas Global workers and volunteers reach impoverished Mayans with vital health services and education. In 2015, Curamericas Global and our partners reached a population of 54,948, including 9,332 children under five years old.

We’re also proud to say that in 2015, there were ZERO maternal deaths in the partner communities of the Casa Maternas. What’s more impressive – we nearly eliminated deaths in children between 1 and 5 years old. To take a closer look, that means that we saved 31 mothers by getting them to the hospital when needed and ensured that 70 percent of women delivered in a health facility.

Curamericas does similar work in Kenya, Liberia, Haiti and Sierra Leone as well. When Curamericas partners with communities to educate local village and community health workers, this impact is multiplied. And when community partners participate, there is an established trust that allows this work to flourish.

GAM: Tell us about Curamericas' measurable impacts.

KT: Curamericas Global has a community-based approach that is at the foundation of the work done in places where no one else wants to be. The Community-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO) methodology focuses on building partnerships with communities to accurately and efficiently identify major health problems and ensure that services reach every individual in the community. This method requires door-to-door visits to bring services to the population, collect data to design programs that address their needs and measure their impact.

It is this approach that truly sets Curamericas Global apart from other organizations. It saves vulnerable women and children by establishing local partnerships and delivering effective, self-sustained programs that respond to clear needs and gaps in the community. Community members also play an active role in the health and success of their neighbors by becoming Community Health Volunteers. Curamericas Global staff train these local volunteers, often local mothers, to work alongside health care providers so they can help educate other women in their community. These volunteers are the eyes and ears of the project. Community involvement empowers these families to take control of their own health and future.

GAM: What are your plans with Curamericas in the future?

KT: Currently, I am a member of the Curamericas Global Board of Advisors, and I am participating in some local projects including the Guatemalan Consulate here in Raleigh. I hope to travel to Guatemala or one of our other project sites soon to watch the Casa Materna model in action and perhaps to participate as a pediatric provider. I'm hopeful that my new training in public health leadership, as well as my previous 23 years of practice in pediatrics, will allow me to serve this amazing organization going forward.

GAM: How can people help?

KT: Volunteers of all types are needed here in Raleigh to help in the office with tasks like stuffing envelopes, data entry, and filing. There is always a need for telephone help. Folks with experience in graphic design can put their skills to use with newsletter or communication pieces.

Some people feel called to visit and volunteer in person, and there are opportunities several times a year for this level of involvement.

And of course, donations are always welcome, both monetary and supplies. Our website lists supplies that can be donated to Casa Maternas.

Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.