Damien House is a residential hospital for over 30 Hansen’s patients, and in addition treats a roster of around 700 outpatients. Quality medical care is provided seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. With the help of donations to the US-based Damien House organization, the staff is also able to provide patients with dental care, physical and occupational therapy, sanitary services, medication, and three well-balanced hot meals every day. Additionally, Damien House has a community outreach program that helps those who have been treated and cured to secure a home, find work, and participate in community activities so that they may return to living full lives.
The work of Damien House extends far beyond the hospital’s walls. The staff makes regular visits within Guayaquil and in remote villages, providing public education about the cause and curability of Hansen’s Disease and spreading optimism for its eventual elimination.
Damien House used to be associated with the Hospital for Infectious Diseases. Originally, Damien House was the Hansen's disease wing of the hospital. Recently Sister Annie has been able to separate Damien House from the hospital. Making ourselves independant allows us to have the final say in treatment and care. This means that no-one will ever be asked to leave Damien House. Unfortunately, it has also caused an increase in expenses due to the increase in utility bills. The increased cost is something we are happy to pay for to make sure everyone here receives the best possible love and care.
This short film is about the workers, volunteers and patients at the Fundacion Padre Damien. This foundation receives both local and international students from UEES as volunteers, and this film was made by a similar combination of local Ecuadorian and international students from the university.