The Story of Mayan Health Initiative
Founded by Dr. Bill Ahrens and John Sweeney, the Mayan Health Initiative (MHI) emerged from a deep commitment to improve the lives of malnourished children and those with disabilities in the rural mountainous area of San Marcos province, Guatemala. After years of medical service in Guatemala, Dr. Ahrens, alongside local experts like Mario de Paz, established MHI in 2013, coinciding with the collapse of the public health system in the region. This unfortunate timing allowed MHI to step in and provide essential medical services to the most vulnerable populations.
With a focus on children aged 0 to 3 years, MHI addresses the critical period of brain development through targeted therapy programs. The organization operates therapy centers that offer physical, speech, and occupational therapy, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the care they desperately need, without the burden of travel costs to distant facilities.