Voluntariado que Transforma: Relato de Experiência no Projeto ATOS em Fortaleza (CE)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The ATOS Project, promoted by the Adventist Church, is a volunteer initiative that provides free medical care to low-income communities. Created on June 26, 2022, the project emerged as a response to inequalities in healthcare access, aiming to offer a welcoming and safe environment where patients can receive integrated care. REPORT This experience report is based on the personal account of a volunteer physician who participated in the ATOS Project. Over the course of its activities, more than 2,000 patient visits were conducted, carried out by professionals from various health fields. The services offered included clinical consultations, exams such as electrocardiograms and ultrasounds, and health education programs, all provided in a supportive and humane environment. The careful preparation of the team and the welcoming moments, such as collective reflections and prayers, helped strengthen the experience for everyone involved. DISCUSSION The experience detailed here shows that volunteer work within the scope of the ATOS Project not only expands access to essential healthcare services for vulnerable populations but also provides significant benefits for volunteers themselves. The integration of medical care with preventive actions and emotional and spiritual support underscores the importance of humanizing healthcare services. In addition, the initiative strengthens community bonds, improves the quality of life of those served, and promotes ongoing training and professional development among participants, enhancing their sense of purpose and personal satisfaction. CONCLUSION The report confirms that the ATOS Project is an effective strategy to reduce inequalities in healthcare access, contributing to the overall well-being of the community and fostering the humanization of healthcare services. By strengthening the bonds between the volunteer team and patients, the initiative demonstrates its transformative potential, serving as a replicable model for other locations and encouraging the continuation of practices that yield positive social impacts.