NYAGI Project FAQs
1. What kind of organization is NYAGI Project? What is its vision? Mission?
All pregnant women should have access to life-saving ultrasound diagnostics. To realize this vision, NYAGI Project teaches local healthcare workers in underserved areas how to triage life-threatening health conditions through ultrasound. We also teach other life-saving diagnostic skills such as COVID-19 lung disease, bleeding in the abdomen and pelvis, blood clots, bone fractures, joint infections and more.
A pregnant woman arrives at a local clinic—by stretcher and carried on foot—from her village in remote rural Nepal.
2. Why, when and by whom was NYAGI Project established?
Every 2 minutes a woman dies of from pregnancy or childbirth, equivalent to two 747 planes crashing every day. Most of these deaths occur in remote areas and are preventable. To combat this sad statistic, NYAGI Project was established in 2013 by Dr. Cliff Gronseth, a physician in Boulder, Colorado, USA., with a passion for bringing ultrasound to the world.
3. What distinguishes NYAGI Project from similar organizations?
NYAGI Project’s approach is unique. We harness the power of technology to teach healthcare workers diagnostic ultrasound. We also repurpose iPads and iPhones equipped with 7D Imaging’s unique NAV educational software to provide ongoing educational tools. The iPads and iPhones accelerate learning and help health workers and mothers recognize life-threatening conditions requiring higher level care.
We empower local medical providers with knowledge and technological tools to teach diagnostic ultrasound. We aim for sustainable and scalable projects that elevate the quality of regional healthcare in remote areas
4. Who are the people involved in NYAGI Project’s work?
NYAGI Project relies on dedicated expert volunteers, among them: certified sonographers, physicians, nurses, retired professionals, university students, and community members. They contribute by teaching ultrasound skills, organizing logistics, programming software, raising funds and mobilizing resources, preparing written and visual documentation, conducting research and assessment. Guided by its motto, “Saving Lives with Ultrasound...Together,” NYAGI Project works closely with in-country partners to maximize resources and impact.
5. Where has NYAGI Project been active?
NYAGI Project provided hands-on training in Nepal (2016 and 2017) and Haiti (2019 and 2020). COVID forced us to develop and fine-tune our remote teaching. In 2020, we focused on teaching ultrasound skills to diagnose COVID pneumonia, and continued our pre-natal and emergency medicine ultrasound trainings. In 2021 we are teaching ultrasound in Nicaragua and Tanzania.
6. What are some of the outcomes of NYAGI Project’s work?
In Nepal, NYAGI Project trained 60 Skilled Birth Attendants working in 30 different clinics, many in remote areas. Data from One Heart Worldwide, our Nepalese partner, indicate about 10 mothers are referred each month for advanced medical care based on ultrasound findings. We consider that 10 mothers plus 10 babies saved. In Haiti, NYAGI Project trained 28 physicians and nurses, working in 21 clinics serving a diverse population. Referral data based on ultrasound findings are pending.
The graduating class for NYAGI Project’s 2017 hands-on training in Dhulikhel, Nepal.
7. What is the function of pre-owned iPads and iPhones?
NYAGI Project repurposes preowned iPads and iPhones and donates them to local partners. These geo-tracked devices serve 4 functions. They (1) display ultrasound images; (2) provide a “teacher-in-a-box” program, enabling training participants to reference for step-by-step instructions; (3) enable continuing remote support from the NYAGI Project team; and (4) support communication among the trainees themselves, thus helping build a strong local network to help women in need.
8. Does NYAGI Project have a religious or political affiliation?
NYAGI Project is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations. We provide our services free of charge, based on need, irrespective of religious or political affiliation, nationality, race, ethnicity or other factors.
9. Where did the name NYAGI come from?
NYAGI is an acronym that stands for “Now You Are the Group’s Interest.” It also represents the name of mothers with limited access to healthcare and diagnostic imaging. It’s an expression of inclusive, community-based caring for those in need.
10. Are donations tax deductible?
NYAGI Project is an IRS Code 501(c)(3) recognized public charity.