What sets PODEMOS apart is our dedication to continuity of care. In 2011, we launched our Chronic Care Program to provide longitudinal care and education for over 100 patients with chronic medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. We work closely with a local Honduran nurse who makes scheduled monthly house visits to follow up on patients. We track patients’  and medications throughout the year and our Chronic Care Director reviews the charts on a monthly basis and sends dosing updates to the nurse as needed. During brigades, we also see our chronic care patients together with our nurse to continue establishing a long-term relationship with these patients as well as to address any acute issues they may have. Through this program, we are able to provide year-round care and prevent long-term complications of these chronic medical conditions — thus providing a whole new level of healthcare to our patients.

In 2015, we also started a pilot insulin program for patients with diabetes that is still poorly controlled despite taking oral diabetic medications. Due to limited funds, we started by enrolling 7 patients in the program, and provided each patient with insulin, needles, glucometers, test strips, and lancets each month. We met with each patient individually to discuss the importance of recording their blood sugars consistently and visiting our nurse for monthly check-ups. We closely monitor their glucose levels and adjust their insulin dosage as needed.