Trauma & Pediatric Care for Palestinian Refugees

CHWs with fmaily doctors during a free medical day in Aida camp.

We are raising funds to support new programs in trauma & pediatric care. Through them we aim to build a new health infrastructure among some of the hardest hit communities in the West Bank. Working through our 3 partners in 5 camps, we will advance new levels of healing for needy families. 

To help out, click on the donate button below. If you want to send a check it can go to: 1for3, 58 North Border Road, Winchester, MA., 01980.

Physical activities by Health 4 Palestine patients in Aida camp.

#1 Providing Trauma Care & Training

This program will equip 26 trained CHWs in 5 refugee camps to serve as healers for their patients. By first treating their own trauma, then learning new skills that they can bring to their patients, with your help we can build a new foundation for long-term health. 

The escalating violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank over the last 2 years has placed immense strain on our Community Health Workers (CHWs). These dedicated individuals tirelessly care for over 700 patients weekly across 5 UN-run refugee camps, amidst an environment fraught with danger & psychological stress. 

The burden on the shoulders of the young people who are CHWs is heavy. They, like the communities they serve, are severely impacted by trauma.  Without adequate psychosocial support, their ability to continue providing essential healthcare is at risk.

Given the recent escalation in Israeli military & settler violence, the need for psychosocial healthcare has become more critical than ever. While it is not feasible to extend this care to the entire Palestinian population of the West Bank immediately, we can make a significant impact by starting with our CHWs. By supporting & training these frontline health workers, we can lay the groundwork for long-term healing & resilience.

CHWs administer local patient testing in Aida camp.

#2 Identifying & Treating Developmental Delay in Children

This initiative will build on Health 4 Palestine’s established community health model, leveraging trained CHWs to provide in-home support, health education & medical screenings. It will operate in Aida, Azza & Balata refugee camps, offering services to over 35,000 residents who now lack consistent access to pediatric healthcare. 

At the heart of the program is a partnership with physicians from Boston Children’s Hospital who will train CHWs to identify & treat developmental delay & autism in children.

In Palestine, a critical gap exists in services for children with special needs, including autism, intellectual disabilities & developmental delays. Our Pediatric Care Initiative is a critical expansion in community healthcare services that addresses gaps in general pediatric care. By integrating pediatric care into our health model, the initiative will empower parents, facilitate access to essential medical services  & improve long-term health outcomes for children in Palestinian refugee camps. 

With adequate funding & community engagement, this initiative has the potential to create lasting improvements in child health & well-being.

Working with Boston-based & Palestine-based professionals we will train CHWs working in 5 camps to recognize, diagnose & support treatement for children facing developmental delay & autism. Support for families will be included in this crucial work. 

We are prioritizing care for children in Palestinian refugee camps. They face heightened risks of developmental delay & other health disparities. By addressing the unique needs of this underserved population, we aim to improve access to essential healthcare services, foster early identification & promote inclusive, trauma-informed care to enhance the well-being of children in these vulnerable communities.

Health 4 Palestine Facts

• 5 West Bank refugee camps served
• 81,000 refugees in service area
• 26 trained Community Health Workers
• 700 patients

Long-term & Life-Changing Benefits of the Program

Investing in CHWs will yield long-term benefits, such as:

• Enhanced Care Quality: Empowered and emotionally supported CHWs are better equipped to provide high-quality care to their patients.
• Resilience Building: Strengthening the resilience of CHWs contributes to the overall stability and well-being of the communities they serve.
• Community Healing: Providing trauma care and support fosters a culture of healing and recovery within the refugee camps.
• Sustainable Healthcare: Ensuring the well-being of CHWs promotes the sustainability and effectiveness of our healthcare programs.
• Reaching the Most Vulnerable: Training CHWs to administer well-baby exams in Palestinian refugee camps serves a needy popluation.
• Supporting Families Diagnosed with Delay: For families with children facing a lifetime of developmental delay realities, we will provide access to resources and care.
  

Click on the arrow to view this video snapshot of CHWs at work in Balata camp.