A couple of weeks ago we shared the exciting news that we had achieved our fundraising target of $65,000 for the April 2013 Ghana Heath Team. We have even more good news to share with you today: we’ve actually exceeded our fundraising goal by almost $20,000!
We want to pause and thank you all for your prayers, hard work, and generosity that have made this possible. We’re overwhelmed by your kindness. Thank you!
We also want to explain why we are still accepting donations to the Ghana Health Team, and how we plan to use your donations.
Priority 1: Essential Pharmaceuticals
Our first priority for funds donated to this project is to ensure that the 2013 Ghana Health Team has the support it needs to offer the very best care to patients in Ghana. We have been watching with concern as the cost of pharmaceuticals in Canada has risen dramatically since we established our $65,000 budget. We know that what we estimated for drug costs will be low; we just won’t know how low until March 2013. Therefore we expect to use extra donated funds to purchase essential medicine for the team clinics.
Priority 2: 2014 Ghana Health Team
If, after all essential purchases have been made, there are funds remaining, then GRID will reserve $10,000 to start the 2014 Ghana Health Team. There are ongoing activities throughout the year related to our health team (for example, in identifying patients needing surgical care), so a reserve is needed to help us prepare for the next team.
Priority 3: 2013 Ghana Health Team Expanded Services
Our team has a list of expanded services that they would like to offer if funds allow. Examples include caring for more hernia patients and assisting patients who need surgery beyond what the team can offer. If there are funds available after the first two priorities have been met, they will be directed to these expanded services.
Priority 4: Sustainable Health Care Projects
If we’re able to meet all of the above priorities and still have funds remaining, we will direct the funds towards projects that help ensure the long-term sustainability of health care in Ghana. An example of such a project would be the Leyaata Project, which is increasing the level of community-based health care for mothers and infants as well as preventing malaria in the region.
In conclusion …
Our $65,000 budget represented a bare minimum budget for the 2013 team. Therefore we will continue to accept donations to the health team, because extra funds will enable us to better support our team and potentially expand their reach. We will share with you the results of your donations and how they were used after the team has returned from Ghana in April 2013.
Thank you for being a part of this! Please let us know what you think in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
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You can donate online to the Ghana Health Team and to GRID’s ongoing program in Ghana. If you prefer to donate by cheque, or are donating from the USA, please see our donation information page.