Medical Clinics
In May and November volunteers travel at their own expense to the Dominican Republic to staff a series of clinics which will provide much needed basic health care in the area in an around Constanza. Mission trips can range from 10-25 volunteers. The group is managed by a Mission Coordinator and a lead medical professional, usually a doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Medical supplies and other items are brought by the volunteers. Prescription medications are primarily purchased for the Mission by medical personnel in the Dominican Republic. Over the course of the week, volunteers will see hundreds of patients, the number dictated many times by the size of the communities we visit. The clinics are set up in schools, community rooms or any other space that the local community can provide. Residents attending the clinic will range from infant, to youths, teens, adults and the elderly. Given the infrequency of having the opportunity to see health care professionals, people may walk for miles to visit the clinics. In 2019 we began utilizing the Puente data collection app to track the patients and understand specific issues by community, and how they change over time with the programs we collectively implement. Given the pandemic and the required postponement of several trips in 2020 and 2021, this is a work in progress that we believe will guide us in the programs we provide.
Dental Clinics
Dental care is a luxury in the Dominican Republic. At times, dentists and dental hygienists are able to join the trips. When this occurs, there is a high number of extractions that occur due to a lack of access to dental care or products. When a dentist is not available, volunteers are assigned to apply fluoride treatments for the children and teens. Thanks to donations of supplies for preventive dental care, the mission can send each child home with toothpaste and new toothbrushes.
Eye Clinics
As is the case with dental care, eye care is also not always accessible. Optometrists and opticians have traveled on many mission trips. They perform vision tests for adults and children that show a need. Over the years, thousands of donated eyeglasses have been prescribed. In the absence of an eyecare professional, volunteers will provide screenings and provide reading or at times donated prescription glasses. For many, including the children and elderly, there is incredible joy in their ability to see clearly for the first time or for the first time in a long time.
