Periclean Scholar-supported health clinic expands this summer

A medical provider in India will be able to better train workers in facilities under construction thanks to a partnership with Elon University and a Turkish city vying to host Expo 2020.

Elon alumna Annie Huth '12 (right) with staff members of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project at the work site of a new medical training facility in India.
A new training center for a nonprofit health project in rural India is scheduled to be complete by mid July thanks in part to efforts by Periclean Scholars in Elon University’s Class of 2012.

The scholars made India the focus of their studies and a video they produced last year titled “Health for All” caught the attention of Turkish officials vying to host Expo 2020. “Health for All” was the same theme leaders in Izmir, Turkey, had identified for their city’s bid to the Bureau of International Exhibitions.

To demonstrate Izmir’s commitment to the theme, and in appreciation to the Periclean Scholars’ willingness to share their work in the bid process, Turkish leaders earmarked $100,000 to assist the Comprehensive Rural Health Project with a new training center.

CRHP first started in 1970 and focuses on bringing education and health care to the villages in rural Maharashtra. It works to improve not only the health of villagers, but also strives to educate, to improve the role of women and to break the stigma of the caste system.

Periclean Scholars at Elon formed a partnership with CRHP in 2010 and traveled to India three years ago to begin work on various projects that would assist the organization in its mission.

The $100,000 from Izmir, Turkey, will allow CRHP to grow its resources. Ground excavation and grading is complete, as are footings and foundations for the new clinic. Walls are scheduled to be finished by mid June with a new roof by the first of July.

Annie Huth ‘12 serves as the International Development Fellow for the Comprehensive Rural Health Project and is helping to oversee construction.