Realizing the potential benefits of charity work in the Untied States, a group of Salvadoran businessmen and women living in Miami, and led by Salvadoran entrepreneur and philanthropist Luis Poma, perceived the needs and united to create a way to respond to the health-care crisis in their country. As a result of their efforts, in 1983, the Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation (SAHF) was formed in the United States as a vehicle to obtain donations of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and equipment and arrange shipments to El Salvador.

Subsequently, SAHF’s in-country sister organization, the Fundación Salvadoreña Para la Salud y el Desarrollo Humano (FUSAL) was formed in El Salvador to guarantee the receipt, as well as, the security, and free distribution of all shipments. FUSAL also assesses the medical needs and spot-checks the effectiveness of beneficiary institutions and programs. Through FUSAL’s efforts, all donated goods reach those in need within 90 days of receipt of shipment.

Both SAHF and FUSAL are operated by voluntary boards of directors from their local communities in Miami and San Salvador, respectively. SAHF is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt U.S. foundation and FUSAL is chartered under Salvadoran law as a non-governmental organization. Both SAHF and FUSAL are non-sectarian and non-political organizations, and are recognized by the Agency for International Development (AID) as Private Voluntary Organizations.