Limbs for Humanity - Prosthetics and Care for Those in Need

Project Objective:

Enhance establishment of self-contained prosthetics facility in Puerto Peñasco & Reduce prosthetic delivery times.
Provide the local Limbs for Humanity project with the necessary equipment, tools, and materials to optimize production and fitting of high-quality prosthetics. Accelerate manufacturing and distribution processes to decrease delays in delivery.
• Increase the number of beneficiaries served across region
• Promote awareness campaign as to early detection of diabetes and wound care
• Strengthen program sustainability

Implement strategies to reduce costs and secure long-term resources, ensuring the project can continue transforming lives year after year.

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Community Assessment:

Limbs for Humanity has been providing lower-limb prosthetic services in Puerto Peñasco since 2019. In assessing needs through the cooperating organization, the ability to manufacture the prosthetics locally will address the pressing need for more timely delivery, broadening the number of beneficiaries across the region.

Across Mexico, there are approximately 75 amputations performed daily, equivalent to more than 25,000 people a year (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografia)
• Mexico has an estimated 3 million amputees due to the high prevalence of diabetes. Diabetes is a major cause of lower-extremity amputations, which can lead to a significant reduction in quality of life.
• This nationwide context highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of amputees in Sonora.

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Project Design:

Stage 1:
Community Health Awareness
In collaboration with the University of Michigan, door-to-door visits across Puerto Peñasco, informing the community about the project and raising awareness on early detection of diabetes and wound care.

Stage 2:
Patient Assessment
Each possible beneficiary is evaluated to verify economic vulnerability and determine if they are a candidate for a prosthetic device. This assessment, performed by prosthetic professionals of Limbs for Humanity, ensures that support reaches those who need it most and that the prosthetic is appropriate for their needs.

Stage 3:
Prosthetic Fabrication
Once a candidate is identified, the prosthetic is produced using the clinic’s materials and tools. This process allows each prosthetic to be customized to the patient’s physical characteristics and requirements, ensuring comfort and functionality.

Stage 4:
Prosthetic Delivery and Follow-up
The patient receives their prosthetic along with close follow-up (Limbs for Humanity team): verifying proper function of prosthetic, make necessary adjustments and maintenance, and provide guidance so that patients can fully benefit from their new mobility and improve their quality of life.

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Direct Beneficiaries:

Estimated annual beneficiaries from program: 150
In collaboration with Rocky Point Medical Clinics in Puerto Peñasco, Limbs for Humanity has assisted more than 450 people from all over the country since 2019, represented as follows:
• San Luis Rio Colorado 50%
• Mexicali 15%
• Sonora (including Hermosillo, Puerto Peñasco) 12%
• Tijuana and Sinaloa 10% each
• Patients from Puebla, Chiapas, and Guanajuato 1% each
Majority of patients are adults:
90% men, 9% women, 1% children
Reason for initial amputation:
90% health issues (diabetes), 10% accident/other
Puerto Peñasco patients since 2019: 110
80 men, 29 women, one young girl

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Sustainability:

Implement strategies to reduce costs and secure long-term resources, ensuring the project can continue transforming lives year after year.
• Partner with hospitals and clinics to provide early intervention in diabetes related wound treatment.
• Train local community volunteers in treatment skills necessary for amputee rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Implement a tiered payment system to balance subsidized and standard care services.

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Collaborators:

Limbs for Humanity, Rocky Point Medical Clinics

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Evaluation and Monitoring:

Number of beneficiaries
Number of community volunteers trained in skills for amputee rehabilitation
Number of community members partaking in health awareness campaigns

Host Partner

International Partner (Optional)

Project Status