How Tzu Chi Kept Free Medical Care Ongoing to Over a Thousand Earthquake Survivors in Mexico

National Headquarters | May 16, 2018

After providing relief to so many of those who were still reeling from the effects of the Mexico earthquake that struck Central Mexico last September, the Tzu Chi International Medical Association, or TIMA, is back in Jojutla and Xochimilco, Mexico, to provide support for survivors’ biggest needs seven months on: medical care. Learn how Tzu Chi USA reunited with Tzu Chi Mexico and our community partners, and how we joined hands, as one family, to fulfill our medical mission this spring.

You can help us as we continue to bring needed services and care for those in Mexico and around the world.

Wrapping Up in Xochimilco – April 30th

We’ve successfully completed two full days of medical outreach in Xochimilco, Mexico City. We are privileged to have served hundreds of patients, including children and a special visit to elderly nuns at a nearby convent. Many of them and their families would not otherwise be able to afford proper medical care nor travel far enough to receive it. We owe so much to the incredible people of TIMA- from our doctors to our nurses, from translators to Tzu Chi Mexico support staff, in helping make quality care possible for those who need it, wherever they are.

I wanted to come out and help people, and I know there's such a need everywhere in the world.

TIMA USA Volunteer Doctor Suzanne Chen

Our medical outreach event in Xochimilco, Mexico, served people young and old, providing medications, acupuncture, as well as our comfort and a listening ear. The Tzu Chi mission carries the commitment to relieve the suffering of those in need and create a better world for all at its core.

A feeling of great love was palpable at the closing ceremony of our outreach here in Jojutla. We always devote time to sharing the heartfelt stories of our experiences with one another after a mission has succeeded. With tears in their eyes, and smiles on their faces, local volunteers spoke of their wish to help their communities, and sow the seeds of kindness and compassion that will flourish all throughout Mexico. It was indeed a potent reminder of their inner strength and sincere support for others in need.

Strong Emotions on Our Second Day of Medical Outreach in Jojutla – April 27th, 2018

It's great that you guys came. We’re thankful, because thanks to them, we're no longer living with pain.

Jojutla Resident Amayrani Gómez

We are profoundly grateful to have witnessed so many smiles return to the faces of those impacted by the Mexico earthquake during our medical outreach and dental services in Jojutla. For many residents, gaining access to proper dental care is not easily affordable, and the earthquake only added to their hardship. Our dental outreach efforts provided a welcome relief for those living with tooth pain for far too long. Medical professionals carried out extractions and other services, such as giving valuable advice, with the utmost care and support.

We were hurt badly by the #earthquake. I mended my house, but not my heart. Day-by-day, life, and other people are giving me another opportunity.

Jojutla Resident Juana Martinez

Still, the wounds disasters leave on the hearts of those impacted are not easily healed, and continue to affect those impacted through continuous stress and sadness. We’re making a difference by providing comprehensive care and emotional support.

In addition to our medical efforts, we also recognize the commitment of those around the world to support children and their education. That’s why we have also decided to undertake plans to help the Instituto Morelos in Mexico rebuild. This Jojutla school became rubble after the Mexico Earthquake in September of last year, and in our mission to provide quality education around the world, we will support the Sisters there in uplifting their community’s children because we are all in this together.