The demand for this course has grown over the past few years and twice per year the Belize Red Cross continues its certification of an average of 60 students through this program. The National Society does not only aspire to form and develop Home Care Givers, but also to enrich each individual who takes the course with good learning and with the opportunity to expand their horizons and increase their opportunities for income generation for years to come.

The coordinating and facilitating of the course are usually carried out by volunteers under the supervision of the Headquarters. For many years the program has enjoyed the kind assistance of the Belize Family Life Association, the Belize Diabetes Association, the Mental Health Psychic Unit, the Anglican Church of St. Mary’s, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and a number of other professional entities who allow their officials to participate in facilitating different subjects. The main objective is to develop persons with the skills to provide home care for loved ones and other sick persons in the comfort of their own homes, to help to fill the gaps in the medical system, and to provide trainees with the skills to earn an income. It covers topics from bed dressing, cleaning wounds and feet, checking vitals, the anatomy, diabetes, hypertension, bed side care to First Aid and CPR, HIV & AIDS, and many more very important subjects related to home care treatment of patients.

The Belize Red Cross also proudly makes special mention of past Coordinators of the course and gives special thanks to the late Mrs. Audrey Courtenay, Mrs. Adela Parra, Nurse Genevieve Gardner, Nurse Judy Kreig and Nurse Lydia Blake.

“To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.” Pearl S. Buck