On July 23, 2019, eight registered nurses traveled to Belize for 10 days on our first medical mission trip! We attended walk-in patients, as well as conducted home visits. (Mac is a registered nurse too.)
Board member and emergency-department registered nurse Jennifer Sullivan spearheaded the organization of this medical mission trip to the village of Burrell Boom, just outside Belize City.
We were also excited and very grateful for Dr. Tami Rock, a who joined us from Belize City to treat patients.
Making a Difference
We saw a total of 130 patients. Most were walk-ins at the make-shift clinic at the school. We saw a man at a health fair in the village park and made three home health-visits providing wound care to diabetic ulcers and decubitus ulcers.
We treated other patients for:
- high blood pressure
- glucose checks
- scabies
- vitamins dispensing
- walk-in head injury
- depression
- cough
- fever
- constipation
- gastrointestinal illness
Prior to our departure to Belize, we were told of two asthmatic children who did not have access to a nebulizer machine. We were able to acquire three breathings: one for each child, and the third to be used in the clinic for acute cases.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
In the spring, coworkers, families, and friends donated money, time, and equipment that was then raffled off to raise funds to help support the trip.
So our first international medical mission was possible only with their support. With your support, we’re already planning for the next one!