Cooperación Ortopédica Americano Nicaragüense

Description

Founded in 1998, COAN is a 501 c-3 organization committed to optimizing the healthcare and well-being of the people of Nicaragua. COAN was formed following years of humanitarian efforts by individuals offering healthcare aid to Nicaragua after the devastation of Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

Our missions provide consistent communication, procurement of medical supplies, and educational training sessions to the Nicaraguan doctors. Additionally, we help manage donated supply inventory and provide technical support. Our teams of dedicated volunteers travel to Nicaragua 4-6 times per year to perform orthopedic surgeries that otherwise would not be done without our help. Typically, a team consists of three to four orthopaedic surgeons, an OR nurse, anesthesia support, other medical personnel, and Spanish translators.

Since inception, COAN has made great strides working with Nicaraguan surgeons and administrators to improve healthcare at the Rosales Hospital in León. Upgrading inventory and equipment, establishing an orthopaedic library, assisting in surgery and patient evaluations, leading educational seminars, and funding innovative projects are but a few of the accomplishments to date.