History
The concept for Fellowship for International Service and Health (FISH) was first conceived in April 2005. Founder David Carreon searched for an organization that would give undergraduates the chance to carry out meaningful service in the medical field. After finding no such organization, Carreon and a group of cofounders decided to start the Fellowship for International Service and Health. In one month, FISH went from concept to university-recognized student group. Then, on June 11, 2005, the first international service group traveled to Tijuana, Mexico to assist with an innovative healthcare program called La Brigada Médica.
La Brigada Médica is run by Dr. Caesar Taméz through his hospital, El Buen Samaritano. The program provides both free and discounted medical care to the inhabitants of Tijuana, ranging from ultrasounds for pregnant women to dental work to eyeglass fittings. La Brigada, in conjunction with Mexico Medical Missions, brought dedicated volunteers to assist in the medical care process. The FISH members who participated became inspired to contribute more, and returned in September of that year. FISH medical volunteers aided in care in the dental tent and pharmacy, and helped to expand medical treatment space. To this day, FISH continues to serve in La Brigada Médica.
In 2006, Fellowship for International Service and Health learned about the community of Maclovio Rojas, Mexico. Maclovio Rojas is a small rural settlement 10 miles outside of Tijuana. The poverty-level community lacks adequate infrastructure as well as access to reliable healthcare. FISH decided to step in and help in any way possible. Since 2006, FISH has provided basic medical care to the inhabitants of Maclovio Rojas. Through regular screening for hypertension and diabetes, along with providing public health education programs, FISH aims to improve the overall health and living conditions of the community. Today, FISH continues to take an active interest in the well-being of the community of Maclovio Rojas. FISH continues to provide medical services, and is also working to improve conditions at both a local orphanage and a rehabilitation center.
Over the years, Fellowship for International Service and Health has been able to greatly expand its operations, thanks to the financial efforts of its dedicated members and generous benefactors. This assistance enabled FISH medical volunteers to assist the American Red Cross in the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina in both Shreveport, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas.
FISH volunteers have an international predilection: in addition to serving in clinics in Tijuana, FISH volunteers have served in medical clinics in Palenque, Mexico; Palawan, Philippines; San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and Arad, Romania.
In 2007, FISH acquired 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the hope that expansion to new projects will continue to provide more opportunities to serve those in need.
In 2009, FISH began to focus on creating an effective public health survey with the support of dedicated individuals in the community of Maclovio Rojas. The research survey hopes to produce positive changes that are measurable and publishable.
La Brigada Médica is run by Dr. Caesar Taméz through his hospital, El Buen Samaritano. The program provides both free and discounted medical care to the inhabitants of Tijuana, ranging from ultrasounds for pregnant women to dental work to eyeglass fittings. La Brigada, in conjunction with Mexico Medical Missions, brought dedicated volunteers to assist in the medical care process. The FISH members who participated became inspired to contribute more, and returned in September of that year. FISH medical volunteers aided in care in the dental tent and pharmacy, and helped to expand medical treatment space. To this day, FISH continues to serve in La Brigada Médica.
In 2006, Fellowship for International Service and Health learned about the community of Maclovio Rojas, Mexico. Maclovio Rojas is a small rural settlement 10 miles outside of Tijuana. The poverty-level community lacks adequate infrastructure as well as access to reliable healthcare. FISH decided to step in and help in any way possible. Since 2006, FISH has provided basic medical care to the inhabitants of Maclovio Rojas. Through regular screening for hypertension and diabetes, along with providing public health education programs, FISH aims to improve the overall health and living conditions of the community. Today, FISH continues to take an active interest in the well-being of the community of Maclovio Rojas. FISH continues to provide medical services, and is also working to improve conditions at both a local orphanage and a rehabilitation center.
Over the years, Fellowship for International Service and Health has been able to greatly expand its operations, thanks to the financial efforts of its dedicated members and generous benefactors. This assistance enabled FISH medical volunteers to assist the American Red Cross in the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina in both Shreveport, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas.
FISH volunteers have an international predilection: in addition to serving in clinics in Tijuana, FISH volunteers have served in medical clinics in Palenque, Mexico; Palawan, Philippines; San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and Arad, Romania.
In 2007, FISH acquired 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the hope that expansion to new projects will continue to provide more opportunities to serve those in need.
In 2009, FISH began to focus on creating an effective public health survey with the support of dedicated individuals in the community of Maclovio Rojas. The research survey hopes to produce positive changes that are measurable and publishable.
