Elder Outreach in Artsakh
Hanganak Elder Program & Clinic
Hanganak Elder Program and Clinic, a non-governmental organization (“NGO”) in Stepanakert, Republic of Artsakh, is a visiting nurse program fully supported by AWWA.
This program serves over 300 elderly people living alone in the region of Artsakh. Started in 2004, the effort to reach the neediest individuals has recently been expanded to include more than 50 persons living in the isolated Askaran region.
AWWA continues to try to meet the needs of the staff and beneficiaries of the Hanganak Elder Clinic to the best of our ability.
For more information on how you can help please email awwa@armenian-nursing.org and please click the donate button below. Your generous donation at this time of need is greatly appreciated.
Please visit the NGO’s website for more detailed information.
Outreach Services
Visiting Nurse Services
Qualified persons over the age of 63 are visited at home, 2‑3 times a week, and examined by a doctor, nurse or other social service provider.Â
- Each month, beneficiaries also receive a variety of food staples and individually prescribed medicines, if needed.
- Visiting a medical clinic in Stepanakert is also possible for those who are ambulatory.
- Yearly eye exams and additional fuel assistance in winter is often provided.
Holistic Care
- Taking care of the whole person is the goal of the Hanganak program and so individual social and emotional needs are given very close attention.
- For only a few dollars a day, this program provides support and loving care for elders without critical resources.
- AWWA is proud of its commitment to this essential program that fills the needs of a very much underserved community.
Medical Staff
Under the direction of Dr. Gohar Hovhannisyan, the Project provides medical and social support to the elderly population in Stepanakert.
In order to qualify for services from the Hanganak project, one must be at least 63 years old and have no living family members to provide support.
- There are two physicians, four nurses, two social workers, one paramedic and four support staff.
- The founding director of the program is Dr. Gohar Hovhannisyan, MD, MPH.
Hanganak Elder Program FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has the clinic in Stepanakert been functioning?
The clinic and the home visiting program began in 2004.
In 2019, the medical and social support program was replicated in the Askeran region, about 10 miles from Stepanakert.
Since its inception, AWWA has been the major source of support for this program.
How many beneficiaries receive services?
More than 300 individuals in Stepanakert and 50 individuals in Askeran are in the program.
The program serves both men and women.
What is the average age of beneficiaries?
74.5 years old.
Has the program received any awards or recognition from the local authorities?
What is the make-up of the staff?
The founding director of the program is Dr. Gohar Hovhannisyan, MD, MPH.
What are the typical food staples provided per month to each beneficiary?
A typical basket of supplemental provisions includes:
- 500 grams of sugar;
- 250 grams of tea;
- 500 grams of butter;
- 1000 grams of rice;
- 1000 grams of macaroni or lentils;
- a can of condensed milk; and
- 350 grams of laundry detergent.
Other items may be added at certain times of year.
What is the cost of the food and medicine provided to beneficiaries?
What has been the response to COVID-19?
Artsakh and Askeran have not been immune from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though there are cases of the virus, the Hanganak Elder Clinic has not suspended operations and nurses and social workers, working remotely stay in close touch with beneficiaries.
Necessary medicines are distributed to the beneficiaries individually, while maintaining epidemiological safety.
Food deliveries are also able to be organized for all and medical services are provided for those beneficiaries who are home-bound.
Meet Three of Our Beneficiaries
