Rebuilding Hope: Puerto Rico's Journey to Resilience
We were able to actually establish this really deep level of trust through our first community event. That's something that I think this experience has taught us.
When Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico in September 2017, it left behind a trail of destruction and despair. But amidst the chaos, a group of dedicated individuals, including two physicians, a PhD student in health communication, and an electrical engineer from Johns Hopkins, saw an opportunity to help their homeland rise from the ashes. They founded Puerto Rico Stands, focusing their efforts on Sector Maná, a rural area hit hard by the hurricane.
This episode of The American Health Podcast brings you the inspiring story of how these passionate co-founders, Yonaira Rivera and Hadi Esieley-Barrera, alongside local leader Jose Carlos Sanchez Cintron, mobilized the community to rebuild and become more resilient. You'll hear firsthand accounts of how Puerto Rico Stands worked hand-in-hand with local leaders and community members to foster resilience and self-sustainability.
The team didn't just provide immediate relief; they focused on long-term recovery by building trust and establishing a lasting commitment to the community. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging social media for outreach, they connected Sector Maná with grassroots organizations both on the ground and in the diaspora. This episode isn't just about disaster recovery; it's a testament to the power of community-led efforts and the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork.
It's a story that will leave you feeling inspired by the resilience of Sector Maná and the unwavering dedication of those who stepped up to support them. Tune in to learn how you can support initiatives like Puerto Rico Stands and contribute to building stronger, self-sustaining communities.