The Silence Between - Global Grant 2026

The Silence Between

Concept Statement

A partnership between the Rotary Clubs of Bakersfield East and Tres Marías (Morelia, Michoacán)
Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. And yet, for too many women, prevention arrives too late.

In the public healthcare system of Morelia, Mexico, women are being diagnosed with precancerous cervical lesions every day. The medical knowledge exists. The screening programs are in place. The moment for intervention is clear. But too often, nothing happens next.

Between diagnosis and treatment, there is a gap — a delay caused by limited resources, overburdened systems, and lack of access to timely care. It is within this gap that preventable conditions progress into life-threatening disease.

As one physician shared, “There is a moment when this can be stopped, but we are missing that moment too often.”

The Silence Between is a Rotary-led initiative designed to close that gap. Rather than creating a new system, this project strengthens what already exists, equipping Hospital General Dr. Miguel Silva with the tools, training, and clinical integration needed to treat precancerous lesions at the moment they are detected.

By enabling treatment at the point of care, the project will:
•    Prevent the progression of cervical abnormalities into invasive cancer
•    Reduce delays that cause patients to fall out of the system
•    Improve survival outcomes and quality of care
•    Strengthen the efficiency of the public healthcare system

This project ensures that when a woman hears the words “we found something,” they are no longer followed by silence — but by immediate care, treatment, and hope.

With your support, the silence ends where care begins.

Budget: $103,443 Timeline: One year

The DEKA DUOGlide — enabling same-day, in-office treatment

Interested in a follow-up presentation — Zoom or in person?
Contact Christine Diaz (bakersfieldeastrotary@gmail.com) or George Poulakos (gjpoulakos@gmail.com).

Watch the Story