We want to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting our mission, and provide you with an update on how the H1N1 virus is affecting our projects at Tia. As you may know, the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) caused delays for Tia’s newest launch, scheduled to run in early June.  We have been informed that our medical brigade will not be available to run our training until early August.

The State of Jalisco needs our brigade in order to combat the swine flu.  Also, UAG’s (Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara’s) Medical School fell behind in their curriculum, due to closures in Mexico. Since their school year ends in early June, they will be unable to make their brigade available to train our Promotoras until August.

Although disappointed at a further delay, we understand and support the reasoning.  Since we recently received a grant to hire a Medical Director, this postponement provides the opportunity to find the right candidate and train them properly, which will help Tia tremendously.

The H1N1 virus serves to illustrate the dire need for our type of health development programs, which teach hygiene and educate communities on how to combat disease and improve their nutrition, which are the best defense against unfortunate outbreaks such as the H1N1. Lack of access to healthcare, coupled with malnutrition, makes the poor especially vulnerable to disease and complications, which is why we strive to provide poor Mexicans in rural areas the opportunity for immense improvement.

We very much appreciate any financial support you may offer, as well as your patience with the delay of the next launch. Because of meaningful investments by our donors, we are able to more thoroughly protect the health and safety of 30,000-50,000 residents in our current Tia villages. We hope to make it to 60,000 residents or more by our next launch in August. Please help us turn this important challenge into reality!