How We Do It

Sahayata (Balamitra) Charitable Trust emerged out of our desire to help children who suffer from non-infectious diseases such as fluorosis caused by drinking water. Inspired by our grandfather, moved by Flint (Michigan) water crisis, and called to action by our chance meeting of children disabled by fluorosis, we started our journey by providing state of the art water filters to each of the families in the endemic regions of Nalgonda County, India (WHO Recognized Endemic Region).

 

We have raised enough resources through donations to buy, replace, and replenish water filters that can filter out fluoride content from drinking water and delivered them to needy families with children. We have started with 10 families with afflicted kids from one village (Yellamagudem) and provided them with Aquagear filters (based on our research for their ability to filter fluoride). From there, we increased to 24 at risk familes and 38 children (Yellamagudem). Apart from delivering the filters, we educated the families on how to use them, performed quarterly check-ins through the internet/phone, and in-person once a year. From there, we track all of the families over time and continue to do so until the children grow to be young adults. In June 2022, we have set up a comprehensive health camp for 201 children from 11 villages in the endemic region to assess for fluorosis and other nutritional and mineral deficiencies in children (ages 5-15). The assessment involved 3 physicians (internist, pediatrician and ophthalmologist), 1 dentist, 3 nurses with comprehensive physical exams and blood testing. Additionally, we lobbied local officials, county and state level including the state legislative assembly and government of Telangana. Governmental funds allocated to build a fluoride free drinking water reservoir for over 300 villages (600,000 people) in the endemic region. Project expected to complete by spring of 2024. All in all, this is just the beginning of our goal. In the years to come, we aim to expand and help as many as we can in other endemic areas and in our country. 

 

We ask you to join our cause.  We are an organization driven to action by a cause but realize that the challenge will require longterm commitment, resources, and different perspectives to march towards our vision. So far we have raised $23,790 but with your help much more can be accomplisshed to help those in need!