Clinic Day Two
Day two of clinic started with a bang. As we disembarked the boat at Mangrove Bight, Partners 4 Global Health (P4GH) jumped into the back of pickup trucks, traversing winding roads, eager to arrive at our clinic site where we would ultimately treat over 200 more patients.
Just as we prepared to open our clinic doors, the power went down and our headlamps went on. Locals wasted no time, springing into action to help our team. Within an hour we had generators and extension chords donated from the community. A taxi driver even offered his personal generator to the clinic while refusing to accept any form of payment.
With the generator power, we were able to run our ultrasound machine, provide limited lighting to the pharmacy (located in a windowless interior room), as well as powering a couple floor fans, providing a cool breeze.
Despite the extreme heat and resultant sweat, everyone remained patiently optimistic, focusing on our purpose of healing with compassion, faith and excellence. We treated all of those in need with special care, from the newborn infants to the oldest resident on the island, our team extended grace in the most uplifting way. Tears were shed, fingers were pricked, comfort was extended, hands were held, joint pain was evaluated, ultrasounds were performed, prescriptions were written and market gifts were dispensed - all with love and big smiles.
One touching, shining star moment, involved our occupational therapist (OT) who helped a toddler walk. The only space available was in the middle of the clinic where patients crowded waiting for prescriptions to be filled, shopped for items from our store and stood in lines waiting to see one of our medical providers. This room was by far the most densely populated, loudest and chaotic, yet the room magically fell silent witnessing our OT and this little boy create miracles in medicine.
Pharmacy is often the most overlooked and integral part of our team as they tend to be hidden and cramped in small, back rooms. It is a tough job on a “good” day and Monday was no exception. To say they were hot, would be an understatement. Yet, they rallied together in the dark and sweltering heat, filling hundreds of prescriptions flawlessly. Bravo team pharmacy!
It is impossible to share all of the beautiful stories and experiences of each day, but we hope to share more of them with you in person upon our return. It is never lost on our team that anyone reading this blog contributed in some way. Without your support, our ability to serve the most vulnerable and underserved would be impossible. Thank you! We are grateful for each of you. Stay tuned for more amazing stories tomorrow.
With Much Love,
P4GH