The Need
Nearly one-third of the global disease burden stems from surgically treatable conditions. And while many global health initiatives focus on primary and preventative care, five billion people around the world still lack access to basic surgical services. Rooted in the values of Catholic social justice and a spirituality of solidarity, Solidarity Bridge seeks to respond to this need.
Our Model
Working alongside partners in Bolivia and Paraguay, Solidarity Bridge trains and equips medical communities to provide high-complexity surgery and other healthcare for patients who lack access to treatment. With our partners, we operate four year-round surgical programs and supply medical equipment to local hospitals, physicians and patients. Through year-round virtual exchanges and short-term medical mission trips, we connect US medical practitioners to their peers in each country. Together, we are building a healthier future.
Our Vision
We seek a just, compassionate, and interdependent world, where the health needs of those most vulnerable are prioritized and medical professionals have the necessary resources to serve their communities.
A Focus on Sustainability
Our goal is to strengthen local capacity to ensure long-term, community-driven impact. Our strategy focuses on four key initiatives:
Training and mentoring physicians
Equipping and supplying hospitals
Building long-term partnerships
Providing patient care
Guiding Principles
Solidarity Bridge is rooted in the Catholic value of social justice. Solidarity Bridge is a direct response of the laity to the Gospel call to heal the sick. We welcome all regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability, or age. Our work is guided by these principles:
We uphold values of human dignity, solidarity, social justice, and the common good.
1
We affirm that all people deserve to have the conditions necessary for health and well-being. We give priority to serving those who have limited resources and access to health care.
2
We promote relationships and encounters, with the belief that the human person is sacred.
We see ourselves in one another, and through partnerships we create innovative solutions. We seek to create community, to promote authentic encounters, and to provide ongoing accompaniment.
3
We respect the needs raised by the host communities.
In a spirit of humility and intercultural sensitivity, we promote mutual collaboration, horizontal dialogue and bidirectional learning. We promote decision making rooted in active listening and prayerful discernment.
We promote sustainable, transformative actions.
4
We generate personal and community transformation which contribute to the construction of a more just and humane world. We work toward equity in healthcare by building capacity across medical teams, generating sustainable solutions that reduce systemic disparities and promote the autonomy of local actors.
5
We commit to upholding best practices in the field of global health.
Staying connected to thought leaders and evidence based outcomes, we undertake careful preparation, ongoing evaluation, and public accountability for our actions.