Andean Rural Health Care (ARHC) is a non-profit, private voluntary organization dedicated to providing preventive and curative health care to the underserved. ARHC's mission is to bring hope through health, working through self-sustaining local partnerships in communities lacking access to basic services.

The four basic principles that guide ARHC's work are that: 1) the work of ARHC is community based; 2) there is equitable access and usage of health services; 3) program impacts are measured and reported; and 4) benefits are sustainable locally in the long run .

ARHC has four health programs in Bolivia serving 200 communities and 68,000 persons. Their "census-based, impact-oriented" health care model uses community health workers for home visits, preventive education, and data gathering on births, deaths and migration. This process ensures that health care is available to even the most remote homes and that information is available to prevent and treat the most common causes of sickness and death. Health care is also offered in local health clinics, and through referrals to nearby hospitals.

Death rates for under five years of age in ARHC project areas have decreased by 51% when compared to similar areas without ARHC services. There also have been dramatic increases in maternal knowledge and practices for key health behaviors.

ARHC's annual budget of over $1,500,000 is financed by donations from individuals, churches, civic clubs, foundations and USAID. Eighty cents of every dollar received supports the direct costs of health programs. For more information, visit the ARHC website, E-mail dawns@haywood.main.nc.us or phone (828) 452-3544.