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by Alison Kozicharow
In the past decade WiRED's path has twisted and turned across 12 countries on 4 continents. But we have always stayed true to course on key matters: 1) targeting people in need, 2) using tools of technology for medical information, and 3) supporting the belief that people can help themselves if you give them a hand.
WiRED has accomplished most of its work with volunteers, putting more than 90% of donations directly into programs—programs that have helped physicians and grassroots communities access health information. Along the way WiRED has earned accolades and awards, such as the UC Berkeley School of Public Health 2009 Organizational Public Hero Award.
 WiRED's major project for the start of its second decade of service is its Community Health Information Program, or CHI. We continue to set up computer facilities in underserved communities, usually where the Internet is neither available nor affordable. But now we are in the process of creating and distributing an extensive library of interactive training programs that teach community members about health. These instructional programs, designed for ordinary people, offer life-saving prevention information about HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, asthma, and scores of other critical, health-related topics. With 85 modules completed, our goal is to supply 120 topics with the CHI program. The development team comprises physicians, medical editors, and computer technicians who create engaging programs that hold user attention and enhance the instructional elements of these training tools.
 Because clean water is essential to good health, WiRED is also including programs to show people how to make BioSand filters at home, as well as teaching Oral Rehydration Therapy to save those suffering life-threatening dehydration from cholera and other waterborne illnesses.
Access to health information and other tools of prevention is a basic human right. Remarkably, prevention is often overlooked, perhaps because it isn't glamorous or profitable. And yet the need for life-saving information is compelling: health knowledge can save billions of dollars, millions of lives, and lifetimes of anguish.
Your 10th anniversary gift will have real impact. WiRED does not charge communities in developing countries for the CHI libraries, nor do we charge other non-profits working with disadvantaged populations. Our financial resources are limited, and at this time we have no grants or direct support for this work. If you plan to make a charitable donation this year, we ask that you please consider WiRED in your giving plans. Thank you for your generosity.
Layout by Brian Colombe.
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