On May 12, we ran our first Community Health Promotion Clinic at the Learning Center.
40 selected residents from nearby areas of Lansot, Woloan, and Pinaras received free health screenings, specialist consultations, and education on diabetes, hypertension, and cancer prevention.
LTL’s International Program Director, Rachel Witwer, flew in from the U.S. to help coordinate the day.
“It was kind of a day of firsts,” Rachel said.
“First LTL clinic since the pandemic; for me, it was the first time brushing off those old clinic coordination skills that I hadn’t used in a long while; first clinic program at the Learning Center; first time doing a targeted diabetes and hypertension clinic; first time with a full team of volunteer Indonesian clinicians; first time running a BAKSOS clinic.”
Alongside Rachel, members of the Yayasan LTL Internasional Indonesia, including Deby, Coco, Tasia, Andrie, and Ever, shaped and ran the day.
The clinic served as a pilot, designed to test what works, understand the barriers patients face, and explore how we can better reach and engage people who have been unsure, hesitant, or left out of the healthcare system, with a focus on diabetes and hypertension.
In collaboration with RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado, the North Sulawesi Provincial Health Office, and PATELKI (the lab tech association), a team of 28 professionals and volunteers provided a full day of services.
These included vitals checks, general and specialist consults, diabetes and hypertension screenings, eye exams, ECGs, and a pharmacy stocked with medications, thanks to the Provincial Health Office.
Doors opened at 8am.
There was a moment when the team feared no one would show. Unlike past clinics where we brought services directly into communities, this time we asked people to come to us, into a new space. For many, commuting or going to an unfamiliar place can be a real barrier. But people did come, some arriving super early, curious and eager to participate, which was a great outcome.
Many participants had never before received proper testing for chronic conditions or seen a specialist. Each was encouraged to bring a family member or friend, helping reduce fear, build support networks, and keep important health conversations going beyond clinic walls.
The foyer became a kind of community health forum. As patients registered and moved through the clinic, local specialists offered engaging and practical health talks focused on diabetes, hypertension, and cancer prevention.
More than just providing a service, the clinic was a vital learning experience for LearnToLive.
“We don’t expect every patient to change their behaviours and be cured immediately,” Rachel said.
“But if we can get a patient a bit more knowledgeable and engaged to manage their health, we consider that a win.”
A highlight from the day was connecting with local clinicians who were new to LTL.
Their enthusiasm and energy sparked valuable conversations about future programming collaborations.
The Learning Center came alive in the way we’ve always envisioned. A huge thanks to all involved!
