Advancing Resiliency and Preparedness in Rural Puerto Rico

Project Sponsor: Apoyo Mutuo Agrícola y Rural (AMA)

Team Members: John Diamond, Juliana Ricci, Angus Simpson, Stephen Wojcik

Project Advisors: Martín Cobián and Scott Jiusto

Project Files:

• • AMA FINAL IQP REPORT.pdf
  • AMA Mayor Presentation Slides.pdf
  • AMA Emergency Plan – Version 2 (2025).docx
  • How to Build a Nursery

Abstract

Natural disasters and related emergencies have lasting effects on mental, physical, and spiritual health that can persist for months or even years. Trauma-informed emergency plans and holistic health practices can minimize these impacts. This project aims to strengthen the Apoyo Mutuo Agrícola y Rural (AMA) emergency preparedness plan and support the development of infrastructure for holistic health and medicinal practices. By collaborating with AMA volunteers and conducting interviews with community members and local farmers, we were able to identify gaps in the existing plan. As a result, we contributed to a more comprehensive emergency plan, established gardening infrastructure, and created data systems to enhance AMA’s communication and information management capabilities.