Limbs for Humanity: prosthetics and care for those in need

Objective

Strengthen the establishment of a self-contained prosthetics facility in Puerto Peñasco and reduce prosthetic delivery times.

Provide the local Limbs for Humanity project with the necessary equipment, tools and materials to optimize the production and fitting of high-quality prosthetics. Accelerate manufacturing and distribution processes to reduce delivery delays.

• Increase the number of beneficiaries served across the region
• Promote an awareness campaign on early detection of diabetes and wound care
• Strengthen program sustainability

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

Project design

Stage 1: Community health awareness

In collaboration with the University of Michigan, door-to-door visits across Puerto Peñasco to inform the community about the project and raise awareness of early detection of diabetes and wound care.

Stage 2: Patient assessment

Each potential beneficiary is evaluated to verify economic vulnerability and determine whether they are a candidate for a prosthetic device. This assessment, carried out by Limbs for Humanity prosthetic professionals, ensures that support reaches those who need it most and that the prosthesis is appropriate for their needs.

Stage 3: Prosthetic fabrication

Once a candidate is identified, the prosthesis is produced with the clinic's materials and tools. This allows each prosthesis 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 the prosthesis along with close follow-up by the Limbs for Humanity team: verifying that it works properly, making necessary adjustments and maintenance, and providing guidance so patients can fully benefit from their new mobility and improve their quality of life.

Beneficiaries

Estimated annual beneficiaries of the 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:

• San Luis Río Colorado: 50%
• Mexicali: 15%
• Sonora (including Hermosillo and Puerto Peñasco): 12%
• Tijuana and Sinaloa: 10% each
• Puebla, Chiapas and Guanajuato: 1% each

Most patients are adults: 90% men, 9% women and 1% children. Reason for the initial amputation: 90% health issues (diabetes), 10% accidents or other causes.

Puerto Peñasco patients since 2019: 110 (80 men, 29 women and one young girl).

Sustainability

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

• Partner with hospitals and clinics to provide early intervention in diabetes-related wound treatment.
• Train local community volunteers in the skills needed for amputee rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Implement a tiered payment system to balance subsidized and standard care services.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Number of beneficiaries
• Number of community volunteers trained in amputee rehabilitation skills
• Number of community members taking part in health awareness campaigns

Implementation year

2027