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NEWSQUALCOMM & FACES Foundation: An Innovative PartnershipFACES Foundation has received a $25,000 grant from the Qualcomm Corporation to support establishment of a model program for utilizing wireless internet connection to provide ongoing, comprehensive medical and surgical care to underserved populations in isolated communities in Peru. The initial phases have been established with the Kausay Wasi Clinic in Coya, Peru-a small town in the Sacred Valley near Machu Pichu that was the site for the first FACES surgical trip in September 2007. The model in Coya is currently being expanded to allow for post operative evaluations, speech evaluations and basic treatment, dental consultations etc. Because the underlying goal is to support locally sustainable care, the need for a continuous connection between remote villages in Peru and FACES is vital. The establishment of video conferencing, cell phone communication, and internet chatting is paramount for maximum preparation before the trip and for follow-up care after FACES returns to the United States. One of the principal reasons third world countries are so lacking in health care is the absence of these advanced communication systems: from village to village, village to larger city, and village to the United States, progressive communication systems are virtually nonexistent. Speech therapy is a large part of follow-up cleft lip and palate treatment. With a video-audio connection, the physical barrier of distance can be eliminated. Doctors and therapists in bigger cities (both in Peru and in the U.S.) will potentially be able to serve their patients’ needs more effectively, without the money and time involved in travel.
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Technical enquiries to Dryke & Associates, Inc..  |
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In addition, FACES will put this model to use for its upcoming program in December 2008 in the northern city of Chiclayo. We are utilizing internet connectivity for pre-trip preparation including developing supply lists, patient evaluations and screenings, doctor conferencing, etc. 
Robert Jarrin, senior director in the Governmental Affairs department at Qualcomm, has been instrumental in linking FACES and Qualcomm. In 2007, FACES was selected out of many applications to receive a grant from Wireless Reach (Qualcomm’s nonprofit branch). The old model of surgical teams going into under-served areas, performing multiple surgeries and then immediately leaving with essentially no followup needs to change. Qualcomm, with its tremendous position in wireless communication, is a critical and welcome strategic partner for FACES in the effort to provide the means for comprehensive, locally sustainable medical and surgical care in isolated areas. Using this funding, FACES will focus on cleft management in isolated Peruvian communities and on strengthening connections with doctors in Peruvian clinics. FACES desires to successfully model these connections not only to allow for its own future growth and development, but to serve as a catalyst for change in international relations in the medical field.