Real Medicine Foundation
Real Medicine Foundation (RMF) is a US based non-profit public charity 501(c)(3), in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The organization has extensive ground operations in 17 countries and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The Real Medicine Foundation was established in May 2005, inspired by lessons learned by founder, Dr. Martina Fuchs, after working for months in the Asian tsunami relief efforts. Real Medicine Foundation provides humanitarian support to people living in disaster and poverty stricken areas, and continues to help communities long after the world’s spotlight has faded. The organization posits that ‘real’ medicine is focused upon the person as a whole by providing medical/physical, emotional, economic and social support. By using an integrative approach, Real Medicine forms partnerships with individuals and existing organizations throughout the world, allowing the creation of effective models and sustainable solutions that have been designed, built, and implemented globally.
RMF’s first years after inception were characterized by emergency responses to the succession of natural disasters in 2005, and 2006. These responses established both the vision and the foundation of the organization and gave birth to the flexible and sustainable in-country strategies. Based upon today's best practice Modern Medicine, RMF utilizes a Comprehensive Integrative Health Care Model. Once survival and immediate health care needs are addressed, the organization establishes mobile and stationary health clinics, thereby employing regional staff and tailoring them to local needs. Using these clinics as hubs, additional modules of care are added in a methodical way, thereby addressing the priority needs of the region being served. Programs such as Maternal Child Healthcare, Malnutrition Eradication, HIV/AIDS Care, Malaria Treatment and Prevention, and Microfinance and Livelihood projects are introduced to build on the existing infrastructure in situ. Programs address the developing world's most critical issues [Maternal and Infant Mortality, Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Malnutrition] are part of Real Medicine's commitment to treat the whole person. By staying for the longer term and by working with local staff and resources, the organization ensures long-term sustainability, local ownership and health care capacity building. At home in the US, Real Medicine Foundation conducts healthcare and education outreach programs, and has provided aid to Hurricane Katrina survivors. Real Medicine Foundation’s stated vision is ‘to move beyond traditional humanitarian aid programs by creating long-term solutions to health care and poverty related issues, focusing on development and capacity building. By empowering people and providing them with the necessary resources, we pave the way for communities to become strong and self-sufficient.’ Since inception, Real Medicine Foundation has grown to operate in 17 countries, in four continents, and has aligned with multiple governments, international agencies [the United Nations, the World Health Organization, The United States Agency for International Development], to reach those most in need.[1]