GB Magazine February 2022 | Page 90

Health

Foundation for the Children of the Californias

Founded in 1986 , the Foundation for the Children of the Californias ’ ( FCC ) is a tri-national collaboration with Canadian , the U . S . and Mexican counterparts . Their mission is to enhance the health and nutrition of underserved children in the border region through support for the Hospital Infantil de las Californias ( HIC ), a unique model of service delivery that is based on volunteerism . Supported by a core staff of pediatric specialists and infrastructure personnel , HIC is an outpatient facility in Tijuana , Baja California offering services that include allergy , cardiology , orthodontics , gastroenterology , nutrition , physiotherapy , mental health / psychology and surgery among others . Over 4,000 consultations are provided each month .

Many scientific studies point to the facts : The health of the region , and its children , is intertwined , regardless of the border . The health of these communities is dependent on each other . Currently , approximately 5 % of pediatric patients receiving Hospital Infantil services are from the San Diego County area . The Foundation for the Children of the Californias exists to help these children from all over the region heal and live fulfilling lives . They strive to give them the quality medical care they deserve . Access to health care should be a fundamental right for all , and HIC continues to make that a reality for children in the region . Health has no borders .
The three foundations have overcome considerable international obstacles to create a model of cooperation and collaboration that is rare in today ’ s world . Hospital
90 GBSAN . COM | FEBRUARY 2022