by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Trieste bishop, Enrico Trevisi; Matteo Valentinuz; Raul Pantaleo
A new multifunctional space aimed at addressing social and health inequality was officially inaugurated today by DonK Humanitarian Medicine ODV, a nonprofit medical humanitarian association based in Trieste.
The center, named Casa DonK, will host a range of services designed to provide free access to healthcare and social assistance for individuals struggling to navigate the public health system. The facility includes a socio-medical guidance desk, a medical outpatient clinic, and psychological support services. The initiative’s overarching goal is to combat poverty and ensure the universal right to health.
Casa DonK was made possible thanks to the support of several philanthropic organizations, including Beneficentia Stiftung, Fondo di Beneficenza di Intesa Sanpaolo, Fondazione CRTrieste, the Waldensian Church’s 8×1000 program, and Fondazione Pietro Pittini.
Founded in 2012, DonK Humanitarian Medicine has provided more than 40,000 free medical consultations over the past decade. The association relies on the contributions of over 80 volunteers, including specialists such as doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and nurses, who donate their time and expertise to support individuals facing barriers to healthcare access.
With the opening of Casa DonK, the organization seeks to further strengthen its presence in the community and broaden its outreach to those in need.
