Providing Health Care and Disability Support for People in Need

People in Lima, Peru: Vaccination Clinic
During Christ’s mortal ministry, He ministered to people with all kinds of physical disabilities and ailments. We strive to follow Christ’s example of caring for people with health challenges through healthcare and disability efforts.

—President Jeffrey R. Holland, general conference, Apr. 2018

Health Care and Mobility Support
Facing health challenges can often make participating in school, work, the community, or family life more difficult. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is deeply committed to caring for individuals with physical ailments and disabilities to ensure they can live a life of self-reliance. As part of this commitment, the Church works with other humanitarian organizations to provide health care and mobility support through wheelchair donations, maternal and newborn care, immunizations, and vision care.
A woman is in a wheelchair. The wheelchair has a third wheel in front and a steering wheel. She is outside riding her wheelchair like a bicycle. She is in Ghana, Africa.
Wheelchairs
Helping people with mobility impairments is one part of this effort to care for the health of people in need. Wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other walking aid donations give people in need more opportunities to participate in school, work, and their communities.
Newborn Care
Maternal and Newborn Care
As part of the Church’s larger effort to care for women and children around the world, the Church works to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by providing training, medical equipment, and education for new mothers.
A person in Haiti holding a vaccine bottle while filling a syringe.
Immunizations
Providing immunizations for children and adults helps protect them from diseases and illnesses that could potentially halt development in children or prevent adults from living a life of self-reliance.
Group of adults in Harar, Ethiopia with bandages on eyes at the Cataract Outreach Camp, Harar Ethiopia, Himalaya Cataract Project. (horiz)
Vision Care
The Church offers programs that train and equip vision care professionals with the skills and tools they need to diagnose eye conditions, provide appropriate treatments, and prevent vision complications. This includes improving access to vision care services to families around the world.

Who Does This Effort Benefit?

At a birthing center in Indonesia, women are being trained and prepared for birth and caring for their babies. Mother's hold their newborn babies.
Women and Children
Through immunizations and medical care, children can avoid diseases and illnesses that would prevent them from reaching their full potential and development.
Doctors and Nurses in Latvia
Medical Professionals
Donations and funding to train and equip medical professionals ensure that local communities have access to the services they need.
Cambodia: Eye Exam Chart
Individuals with Disabilities
Providing individuals with disabilities with the mobility devices they need helps them to be more self-reliant.

How Can I Get Involved?

Want to get involved in healthcare and mobility efforts in your area? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Donate unused crutches and other mobility aids to your local hospital.
  • Learn about the importance of vaccines and share what you know with your friends and neighbors.
  • Volunteer to facilitate local vision screenings and other health events.
  • Find healthcare and disability related service projects near you at JustServe.org.

See What the Church Did in 2023

Learn more about how the Church provided health care and mobility support for members and their community in the 2023 Caring Summary.
Health Care and Disability in 2023