In the medical clinics operated by the Sangre de Cristo Health Care Project, over 50% of the reported illnesses have poor sanitation as their origin. This familial and communitarian problem is extensive due to the underlying factors which contribute to the overall poor quality of life, such as lack of proper housing, water, electricity, sewage systems, garbage disposal, communication, as well as indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides and deforestation. In addition to this high incidence of disease which affects largely the women and children in our area, we have also observed and been alarmed by the increased contamination of the environment, which everyday becomes more critical. This is most notable in the resettlement areas that are experiencing a rapid growth in population without the necessary growth in infrastructure that would provide the essential services for a dignified life.

With the certainty that a healthy environment forms part of well-being and integrated health, the Sangre de Cristo Health Care Project has been carrying out for 18 years the Environmental Health and Sanitation Program, focused on the protection, conservation and recovery of ecology and the environment so we that can live in harmony with nature and with one another. We facilitate the implementation of actions in 55 communities, centered in the areas of education and environmental consciousness, waste management and recycling in schools, formation and training of community leaders, basic services using appropriate technology, community ecological activities and informational campaign about the impacts of mining activities. Activities include implementation of appropriate technology including the installation of 60 dry organic fertilizer latrines, clean air wood stoves and water cisterns. The reforestation program plants more than 70,000 trees annually and we do drinking water analysis in 14 communities, coupled with providing assistance to local organizations in order to take corrective measures. With the aim of demonstrating to the families that there are ways to improve the quality of life even with limited resources, a model garden has been developed. And the implementation of an eight-month educational program for community leaders trains more than 40 Environmental Health Promoters each year who then join the network of local leaders. These leaders have shared information and skills in their own communities, thus increasing the positive impact of the Project. Each year 13,400 students participate in ecological talks and 5 schools have developed a recycling program under the guidance of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Team. Since 2011, the Program has provided leadership and accompaniment in local communities impacted by mining activities and our team has been an active participant in the nonviolent resistance movement against mining activities.

Starting in January, 2006, the Environmental Health and Sanitation Program has been implemented by Ecotono Global, under the continued leadership of Antonio Reyes Romero. This implementation model helps provide for better results and promote greater benefits in the environment that impacts the whole community.