News From The Clinic – Spring 2026

I want to thank all of our volunteers and Dominican partners for another extraordinary week at the clinic — and this group earned extra credit, pushing through some heavy rains that tested everyone’s resolve. As always, none of it would be possible without the generosity of our benefactors — thank you.

A highlight of the week was welcoming 66 new patients. As we always do, we worked through our Council of Community Representatives to identify individuals in the surrounding communities who would benefit from our care. For each of these patients, a door has now been opened — and we look forward to walking with them on their health journey for years to come.

We were also excited to welcome two representatives from the Physical Therapy Department at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Their visit marks the beginning of what we hope will become a meaningful collaboration, one that would bring physical therapy services to our patients for the first time. The need is real and significant, and we are encouraged by the enthusiasm on both sides. We look forward to sharing more as this partnership develops.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Onward to July!

*Frank Brightwell*

Services

• Over 600 Tests Performed
• Dispensed over 2,400 prescriptions 
• Welcomed 66 new patients!

Our Team

• 14 Volunteers
• 12 Dominican Partners
• 7 Physicians
• 4 Dentists, 1 hygienist, 1 dental assistant
• 1 Bioanalyst

Volunteer Spotlight:

Katalin Roth

My first trip to Naranjito was in 2004 and I have returned almost every year since then.

It is gratifying to see how the health of this remote community has improved visibly over these years, in part due to our work. I come because our medical services are needed, because the people we serve are so welcoming. It is wonderful to work alongside other committed volunteers and in the beautiful campo countryside. And I always learn a lot from these rural patients which I can take home to my urban medical practice.

At a time when we often feel powerless to affect world events, I know that we have made a real difference here. I plan to return soon.

Volunteer Spotlight:

Juan Esteban Gomez

Coming to Naranjito is always deeply rewarding. From a very young age, I developed a vocation for service without expecting anything in return. Today, as a dentist, I have had the opportunity to help many people, improve their oral health and self-esteem; it is one of the greatest satisfactions to see each patient’s smile, which shows me that I am in the right place.

It is even more meaningful to do this far from home. Being and working in Naranjito has allowed me to grow both as a professional and as a human being, especially by being able to share the clinic experience two years ago. It is incredible to meet people, make new friends, and it is what makes me return once again to the clinic.

To experience grace in its purest form — people coming together as a whole to share warmth and goodness. No whining, no lamenting — just extraordinary individuals, both volunteers and community members, who enrich my life.

Our Patient’s Experience

I’ve been attending this clinic since 1997, and it has been a blessing every single day. Having this clinic here means this continues to exist. The benefits this clinic provides to the community are countless. Seeing what this clinic was  before and what it is like now is truly remarkable.

*– Dario Torres*