Disaster Relief

In late 2007, unusually heavy rains caused rapid and widespread flooding in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco. Nearly 80 percent of the land area of Tabasco and half of its population were affected, leaving half-a-million people homeless and without jobs. The resulting turmoil left many people susceptible to contagious diseases and without sufficient access to potable water.

As a result of the disaster relief program in Chiapas and Tabasco, participants gained knowledge of general health and disease prevention in response to the challenges following the widespread flooding. The program increased their ability to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, work in teams, and communicate successfully with members of their community. This school- and community-based program follows the IMIFAP model where teachers and healthcare workers are trained directly by IMIFAP personnel, then replicating the program in the community and classroom. This cascade methodology serves two purposes: first, training proves more effective when it is led by trusted community sources (health workers, teachers) who impart the workshop information in the course of their normal routines (medical visits, teaching classes), and second, the methodology ensures that the training will continue to be facilitated by a permanent member of the community.