One of our partner organizations has been working for many years in southern Belize and has identified the need for a permanent dental facility in the coastal city of Independence. We are currently in the design phase a 3000 sq. ft., two story, LEED-inspired, dental facility in Independence. The ground level will focus on dentistry and the second story will provide living quarters for a missionary doctor and the doctor’s family. The project will model a LEED-Gold certification in design and construction methods.

Purpose:

The communities surrounding the city of Independence are 100 miles from the nearest dental office. Most local residents have never been to a dentist and as a result, there is a regional deficiency in oral health. Our clinic will become the southern-most dental facility in the region. In addition to the permanent clinic, we hope to have a nearly full service mobile unit to serve southern villages. There will be a normal charge for patients, but we aspire to offer an option of forgiveness-of-debt for those who truly cannot afford it. The idea is not to replace the local medical economy, but help those who struggle with cost. We are coordinating with Belize Medical Authorities who are thrilled with the project’s potential.

 1st Floor Plan

 2nd Floor Plan

 

Plan:

Global Outreach Mission purchased two adjacent lots in Independence, Belize, and recently hired three local men to level and prepare the site. The primary construction phase will begin in June 2010. Our goal is to have the facility up and running by the following Christmas. The project team will reside in Independence during the summer of 2010, coordinating labor teams and overseeing the projects construction.

 Construction Goals:

1. Create a model of sustainable construction in the region
2. Extend the life cycle of the facility
3. Conserve resources
4. Reduce waste and environmental impacts
5. Obtain LEED Gold point values

Financial Goals:

The estimated construction cost is $79,500. Construction labor will be substantially made up of local Belizeans in addition to volunteer labor teams from the United States. Alongside construction and permit costs, we plan to furnish and supply the necessary dental and medical equipment. We are looking for sponsors to financially support this humanitarian effort and help us bring the much needed dental relief to the southern regions of Belize.

Sustainability Goals:

1. Rehabilitate a damaged site
2. Develop a limited carbon footprint
3. Utilize storm- and rain-water catchment system
4. Reduce light pollution
5. Employ HVAC design to meet ASHRAE Standard 55-2004
6. Utilize low V.O.C. paints, coatings, and glue
7. Redirect reusable materials to appropriate sites
8. Utilize regional and recycled building materials
9. Utilize rapidly renewable raw materials
10. Reduce lumber framing
11. Install high efficiency appliances and solar panels
12. Maintain zero use of CFC-based refrigerants

Project Team:

Steven Shimmin

Architect

 

 

John Look

Dental Professional

 

 

Jim and Lois Moore

Missionaries