Cotton Tree is a community in the Cayo District in the southeastern region of Belize. Global Brigades began working here in 2024. The typical house in Cotton Tree is made of cement blocks and wood, and most of the community members work as artisans, merchants, assistants, and in construction and factories. The community also have a few grocery stores, small eateries, and a health post.
The most common illnesses seen in children are fever, cough, and common colds and in adults are diabetes and hypertension. The top needs expressed by Cotton Tree inhabitants during their initial communications with Global Brigades include access to basic healthcare, improving solid waste management, and education.
Region: Cayo
The community of Cotton Tree has a community health post; however, the nurse attending the community members is not permanently on-site. This centre doesn’t have a lab, and there are no other private clinics, so community members have to travel to other cities if they need specific medical tests. The nurse will also travel to the community monthly (in some cases) to vaccinate the members.
Medical brigades are often run in the community health centre or the community centre, with a designated room or patio where the stations of the brigade can be run comfortably.
Average patients attended: +130
| Chapter | Date | # Of Volunteers | Chapter | Date | # Of Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint James School of Medicine | September 2025 | 9 | |||
Working closely with the Medical Program, the Dental Program provides fillings, extractions, and fluoride treatments as a standard part of Medical Brigades. Most community members do not have regular access to dental care due to the lack of a dentist within a reasonable distance. This program will be available in Cotton Tree soon.
Dental brigades are often run in the community health centre or the community centre with a designated room or patio where the dental stations of the brigade can also be run comfortably.
Average patients attended:
Nearby communities:
| Chapter | Date | # Of Volunteers | Chapter | Date | # Of Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cotton Tree is in the process of establishing micro-enterprises within its community to promote economic development and self-sufficiency. Through a partnership with Business Brigades, the community has received support to identify new business opportunities and strengthen existing initiatives. Business Brigades have visited Cotton Tree to work directly with community members, providing guidance, training, and practical tools aimed at improving business planning, management, and sustainability.
Business Volunteers
Business Consultations
| Chapter | Date | # Of Volunteers | Chapter | Date | # Of Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | March 2025 | 12 | |||