Negaunee Fundraiser Supports Hillside Health Care in Belize

Local community rallies to provide medical services to underserved rural areas

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The people of Negaunee, Michigan, recently came together to host a fundraiser for Hillside Health Care, an organization that provides free medical services to communities in Southern Belize. The event, featuring authentic Belizean cuisine, highlights a growing trend of localized fundraising efforts supporting targeted medical outreach in underserved global regions.

Why it matters

Rural healthcare access is a global challenge, with geographic barriers, limited infrastructure, and a shortage of medical professionals contributing to disparities in health outcomes. Organizations like Hillside Health Care are working to bridge these gaps, but their sustainability relies on consistent funding and community engagement. The Negaunee fundraiser exemplifies a shift towards community-driven global health initiatives, offering advantages like increased engagement, targeted impact, and cultural sensitivity.

The details

Hillside Health Care has been operating since 2000, providing approximately 10,000 clinical and outreach services annually, free of charge, to the people of the Toledo district in Southern Belize. The organization not only delivers care but also invests in local capacity by supporting 20 full-time Belizean staff, including nurses and pharmacists. Hillside is also expanding its services to include speech therapy and mental health support, recognizing the holistic nature of healthcare, and deploying mobile outreach clinics to reach remote villages.

  • The fundraiser event took place on February 23, 2026 in Negaunee, Michigan.

The players

Hillside Health Care

A non-profit organization that provides free medical services to communities in Southern Belize, focusing on preventative and primary healthcare, community outreach, and education.

Rachael Prusi

A member of the Hillside Health Care Board of Directors.

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What they’re saying

“Southern Belize shares striking similarities with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – a rural landscape where accessing medical care can be a significant challenge. This parallel resonates with local residents, fostering a willingness to contribute to a cause that mirrors their own experiences.”

— Rachael Prusi, Hillside Health Care Board of Directors Member (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Hillside Health Care plans to continue expanding its services, including the deployment of more mobile outreach clinics to reach remote villages in Southern Belize.

The takeaway

Community-driven global health initiatives like the Negaunee fundraiser for Hillside Health Care are gaining momentum, offering advantages such as increased engagement, targeted impact, and cultural sensitivity. These localized efforts complement the work of larger international organizations in addressing healthcare disparities in underserved regions around the world.