The Medical Aid for Children of Latin America
MACLAPerforming life-changing surgeries for children in the Dominican Republic since 1985.
Mission Statement
The purpose of Medical Aid for Children of Latin America (MACLA) is to help the financially underprivileged of the Dominican Republic by surgically treating correctable physical deformities, such as cleft lips and palates, burn scar contractures, and hand and soft tissue deformities—all while educating the Kansas City and Dominican medical personnel.
Mission in Action
Volunteers
MACLA relies on the generosity of others who volunteer their time and talent. A team of 40 volunteers travel each year to the Dominican on their own dime. MACLA also partners with local Peace Corps volunteers to effectively communicate with the patients and their families.
donations
Ninety percent of donations received are from private donors. The annual budget is $250,000 to make each mission trip possible. There are no salaried employees of MACLA, which allows overhead costs to sit at a very low five percent annually — a tenth of most other non-profit organizations.
medical care
We have performed over 5,000 surgeries in 38 years. A team of board certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and ancillaries from all over the US make the annual trip. Their attention to detail, clinical expertise, and compassionate medical care is why they return each year.
$500 Changes a Life
On average, each operation costs $500. This is strictly the cost of anesthesia and medical supplies and medications used for each patient. Since the procedure and care is free to the patient, this dollar amount does not take into account the value of surgeons fees, and post-operative care. $500 can change the course of a person’s life in the Dominican Republic.
Volunteer
Are you healthcare professional looking to make a difference in the lives of individuals in the Dominican Republic? We take great pride in the care team we travel with each year, and we want to hear from you. This exclusive opportunity is widely popular and due to limited space and the high volunteer return rate, we only open this up to a handful of new volunteers each year.
Contact Us
info@macla.org
Phone
(913) 492-3443
Open Hours
Mon - Thurs: 9AM-5PM CST
Fri: 9AM-NOON CST
Address
6920 W. 121st Street Leawood, KS 66209