To fill you in on the rest of the events that have happened, my days at the clinic are all but over for this trip. In the days leading up to the mission I was needed to much here to get things ready. Once all the team members arrived (all 220 of them) things really got crazy, but I was very impressed to see how all the organization and planning really keeps things moving smoothly. Meals are held in a large field of chairs behind the house and there is no where you can go without running into someone. It’s nice be around so many people, but also a little hectic.
FGHL Blog: Beth O'Connell - Over 1380 people in Cygera, Rwanda Have Received Safe Water Education
Jul 26 2010
Beth O'Connell's final update from Rwanda.
Since my last report, so much has happened! I have completed my survey project of the employees and patients of Rural Medical Services (RMS). This information will be extremely valuable to the management of RMS in determining the strategic direction of RMS in the future. I also think this information will be very valuable to the patients of Rural Medical Services.
Creating Clean Water in Illinois: On the Road
Jul 19 2010
by Kelsey Neff
We’re back on the road again with the Brad Paisley H2O World Tour, with last weekend’s visits to Chicago and Moline, IL!
For the past week I have been busy both in the community as well as in the clinic, conducting health fairs throughout various communities across the island. As a result we been able to perform 215 blood sugar tests and blood pressure readings over a four week period. Seven of the people screened were referred to Clinica Esperanza due to high blood sugar readings. There are a couple more communities that we are planning to go to within the next week or two.
FGHL Blog: Beth O'Connell - Brushing Teeth, Washing Hands, and Nutrition: Continuing Eduation in Rwanda
Jul 08 2010
Kiruhura Christian College has continued to allow me to educate all 112 of the students on various health topics. The week of June 21-25, I taught each class about dental health and provided them with toothbrushes and toothpaste. I got this idea from a student who asked me at the end of class one day if I could teach him how to “wash” his teeth. I also gave these supplies to the headmaster, secretary, matron (woman who cares for the girl boarding students), and two teachers who participated and assisted in the education.
Building Wells and Writing Senators: Your Support=Lives Saved
Collaboration with charity: water and Living Waters for the World
We are proud to announce that we will be collaborating with charity:water to build three wells in three villages in three African nations: Ethiopia, Liberia, and Uganda. The wells will serve over 1,000 people. The digging of these wells will begin this fall, and we will update you with photos, blogs, and even GPS coordinates so you can follow the development and the life of the villages which will soon have an easier access to clean, safe water.
Collaboration with charity: water and Living Waters for the World
We are proud to announce that we will be collaborating with charity:water to build three wells in three villages in three African nations: Ethiopia, Liberia, and Uganda. The wells will serve over 1,000 people. The digging of these wells will begin this fall, and we will update you with photos, blogs, and even GPS coordinates so you can follow the development and the life of the villages which will soon have an easier access to clean, safe water.
FGHL Blog: Jodi Southerland - Hills and Hollows of East Tennessee: Community Nutrition Program
Jul 07 2010
Over the past seven weeks, I have been conducting wellness assessments among community dwelling seniors served by the agency. The purpose is two-fold: 1) develop a client profile which includes demographic data and risk factors that lead to diminished quality of life and poorer health outcomes, and; 2) identify domains in which the agency’s services can be improved or tailored to meet the needs of this population. I also provide health supportive services, education and referrals to seniors through the information provided during the assessments and through my personal observations.
Although I am rather far away from my goal of becoming a Zambian and have quite a lot of work to do in the time left here, I look forward to learning more about the Zambian culture. I love being able to experience another culture from a first hand perspective. It has been an amazing experience so far and I enjoy every day of it.
FGHL Blog: John Deason - From the Dentist's Chair to a Funeral: Immersion in Tonga Culture in Zambia
Jun 29 2010
As time goes on I am getting more responsibilities in the clinic. As of late, I have been working with a Zambian dentist named Ba Ian (Ba means Mr. or Mrs.). He is a wonderfully kind and patient man that is very good at explaining his work. A small skinny man in stature but hold tremendous respect with his patients; always keeping a smile on his facem, he whistles and tells his patients jokes to keep them at ease. There is much you can take from his patient-provider interaction.