Hospital for Hope
Melanie is currently working with team of fellow Stanford alums to build a self-sustaining hospital in Jharkhand, one of the poorest states in India. Below is an intimate look into the villages of Jharkhand:
Why is this project important?
Simply put, basic health care is not accessible. The nearest decent hospital is in the capital city of Ranchi, a 3-hour drive away on a good day, which is most often at capacity. Monsoon rains can double travel time. Cost to travel is a significant barrier (a full day’s salary or more for transportation). Malaria was eradicated from the region in the 1980s but has made a resurgence in the area. Other conditions such as tuberculosis, dysentery, and typhoid are still prevalent. Corruption and mismanagement have left this rural region with a severe lack of critical infrastructure. Public works have not been funded.
A total cost of $100,000 will construct and establish a self-sustaining hospital. Run primarily on patient fees, the hospital will be community planned and community operated by our partner Jagriti Vihara, a well-respected NGO in existence of 30 years.
Construction for Change
The hospital design is supported by Construction for Change, which partners with organizations worldwide to provide needed infrastructure for economic, medical, and educational growth in developing communities; giving them the tools to eradicate poverty and improve quality of life for those in need.
With their tremendous support and resources, Hospital for Hope has reached it's initial fundraising goal of $100,000 and is on track to begin constrution of the hospital in October of 2011.
More information on the project at: http://www.hospitalforhope.com/
Over the years, Melanie also has also involved herself with several charity events for inspirationa not-for-profits such as Lend-a-Hand India and the Nanubhai Education Foundation:
Lend a Hand India
h.Lend-A-Hand India is a non-profit venture launched in 2003 by young professionals. It is based in New York City and focuses on issues related to youth. Its programs provide vocational training, career development, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities to young boys and girls in rural and urban communities. Lend-A-Hand India collaborates with dynamic grassroot non-profit organizations to develop and implement innovative projects. More information at: www.lend-a-hand-india.org
Nanubhai Education Foundation
Nanubhai aims to help vulnerable students of rural India attain skills so they too can experience the vast economic opportunities India offers. Since 2004, the organization has been advancing education in under-funded public schools in rural India through validated English language, IT, and Capacity Building Programs. More information at: www.nanubhai.org
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