FELLOWSHIP for INTERNATIONAL SERVICE and HEALTH
Collaborating with our local and global communities to provide sustainable health and educational services.
Our Mission
Improve the health and the lives of underserved populations through community improvement, health screenings, and lifestyle interventions. FISH serves the community of Maclovio Rojas, Mexico in partnership with local health professionals and works with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the people we serve.
History
Fellowship for International Service and Health (FISH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run by UCLA undergraduate students. Since its founding in 2004, FISH has maintained a continued relationship with the community of Maclovio Rojas, Mexico, and established key partnerships with community leaders, local physicians, and other key stakeholders. In recent years, FISH has also undergone major organizational changes to ensure that our services are ethical, culturally sensitive, and sustainable.
Prior to 2015, FISH provided bi-weekly English lessons and clinical services (including BMI, blood pressure, blood glucose, consultations) in the marketplace of Maclovio Rojas. Under the mentorship of Dr. Gitanjali Arora, FISH re-evaluated its clinical services based on current global health ethical standards and temporarily discontinued all marketplace clinic activities.
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FISH Today
Today, we have built upon FISH’s prior service model to include: (1) creating a “healthcare system” dependent on international service providers, (2) increasing physician oversight and guidance, (3) integrating Mexican non-profits and community-based organizations, and (4) better communication with community leaders.
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After a major organizational transition in 2015, FISH has significantly improved the caliber of its English lessons. Our new curriculum utilizes ESL textbooks, projector technology, health education modules, and a donated library. We have also introduced a Pen Pals program. Our clinical service model has also transitioned from unsupervised marketplace clinics to bi-weekly blood pressure screenings and quarterly health fairs. Our BP screenings are conducted using revised, physician-approved protocols, referrals to local clinics for follow-up care, and health education. Our health fairs, planned in conjunction with community leaders, emphasize health education and healthy lifestyle habits. The youth of Maclovio Rojas have particularly benefited from our new programs, and they consistently attend our bi-weekly events.
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By emphasizing upstream determinants of health and overall well-being, our work parallels global health efforts worldwide, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Moving forward, FISH will continue to improve its educational and clinical services with a focus on community partnership and empowerment.