Community Health Work

Hey all,

For those that don’t know me, my name is Raphael and I’m a Puerto Rican Transman who works as an Emergency Medical Technician and is also a community organizer.

I decided to become an EMT, after going on a medical mission to the Philippines and seeing what healthcare in communities, neglected by their government, can look like when provided by just regular people in the community. 

I am passionate about health work, and in particular, bringing health work to communities most in need and overlooked, and not only providing health care but teaching others to be able to provide live saving care in their own communities.

I could teach these classes and just not certify people, but the ability to certify someone, not only teaches them a skill but also gives them the upper hand when looking for work. 

I am trying to raise some funds to be able to get my certification to certify others (so meta) in CPR and First Aid. The course itself costs $400, but the gear to actually facilitate the course: CPR dummies, work books, model AED’s cost much more.

I plan on using this certification to provide an additional income for myself, but also to then fund my ability to facilitate and instruct these classes for free for communities where healthcare is inaccessible or difficult to obtain and also to organizing communities so that medical teams are always ready at our protests and rallies. I also hope to team up with nurses and other medical professionals to coordinate free workshops in these communiiies regarding other topics.

If you are able to give any kind of support, it is much appreciated. 

Thank you.