Free Conference on Medical Mission

FREE Conference on Medical Volunteerism

Co-Sponsored by the Emory University School of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Mercer School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

· Learn from the inspiring stories of medical, dental, and lay volunteers

· Network with health care professionals, students, and lay people volunteering in all areas of health care and public health.

· Network with non-profit organizations offering a range of volunteer opportunities for medical and lay people

· Learn about activities such as screenings, free clinics, surgical interventions, public health education, & health care provider training.

· Learn about a range of volunteer opportunities in the Atlanta area, the United States, & around the world... Latin America - Haiti - Africa - East Asia - Mongolia - Eastern Europe - the Middle East

DATE: April 16th-18th, 2010

LOCATION: Emory University campus, Atlanta, GA

REGISTRATION: online at www.emoryimvc.org

ADMISSION: Free ~ REGISTER NOW!

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission will be participating in this event. We hope you will pass this information along to interested parties.




UMVIM, SEJ
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission

Medical Care, Health Clinics, & Volunteers

I admit I don't have any easy answers regarding the current health care debate. Like many, I'd be able to point to lots of problems, could complain about the costs, would brag about medical advances of the last 25 years, and while concerned about the scores who don't have adequate adequate health care I still wouldn't have many answers. Complicated stuff for sure!

While traveling yesterday afternoon I heard a radio report about which reminded me of the crowds we served with our mobile medical clinic in west Africa. The report started:

"It was a Third World scene with an American setting. Hundreds of tired and desperate people crowded around an aid worker with a bullhorn, straining to hear the instructions and worried they might be left out. Some had arrived at the Wise County Fairgrounds in Wise, Va., two days before. They slept in cars, tents and the beds of pickup trucks, hoping to be among the first in line when the gate opened Friday before dawn. They drove in from 16 states, anxious to relieve pain, diagnose aches and see and hear better."

Find more of the report at Rural Medical Clinic

"The 2009 Remote Area Medical (RAM) Expedition comes to the Virginia Appalachian mountains as Congress and President Obama wrestle with a health care overhaul. The event graphically illustrates gaps in the existing health care system." One woman told of her visit last year that saved her life as the medical team found her gall bladder was enlarged and ready to burst.

It makes me wonder if there are parts of our GA/SC region which might be under served and need a medical mission team.

Local Medical Clinic in Harrisburg

Numbers of members from Trinity on the Hill UMC have been active during the last year in helping a new ministry spring to life in the Harrisburg section of Augusta. A medical clinic based in the declining mill village area of town has had the strong involvement and encouragement of Gloria Norwood, TOTH member, & widow of the late U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood. The FROGS, Keith Howard, and others have been part of the construction of the clinic. Ben McElreath helped with legal issues in establishing the clinic and receiving funding from a similar non-profit which had gone dormant. Shirley Darracott has been a consistent leader in local mission and part of the dream and formation of the clinic from the earliest days. Scores of others have been part of these initial phases, and ongoing opportunities will exist for volunteers and donations as the ministry grows.

A key ally and sister who involved Gloria is our good friend Marsha Jones. I think of Marsha as our local missionary, & she continues her work through St. Luke UMC directing music and mission, & she has offered an outlet of ministry for Gloria and many of our TOTH members & serves as a bridge into the community. Of course, Gloria has brought her heart and soul to the community efforts and that has included her finances, her network of friends in the community and beyond, and a persistence which makes a difference. Michael Shaffer and the board of directors have come to this work through the efforts of Marsha and Gloria. Commissioner Jerry Brigham & the Augusta commission add another element to the clinic with assistance for start up funds for this worthy project in a challenging neighborhood.

It is dangerous to start naming names, especially at a late hour of day, but as I read the newspaper article it was easy to read MANY, MANY names and partnerships which have brought us to these exciting days! Forgive me if I've left someone out (add a response to help my list) & know Gloria, Marsha, and others will offer thanks to many volunteers in the days leading up to the grand opening.

See the full story at Harrisburg Family Healthcare Clinic

Favorite Pictures from Togo

Here are some of my favorite pictures of children taken during our recent medical mission in west Africa. We were in the northern Kara region for 3 clinics & then in the western area near Kpalime for 1 clinic. Once again were warmly welcomed and had many opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Look deeply into these faces and see what you might see...

Summer Catch Up- Togo Revisited

I'm wrapping up some summer work and attempting to shift gears into fall activities. That's tough to do when it's over 100 degrees! But school starts next week and it's about time. Here's some of the "sights and sounds" of Togo from our June medical mission.

Nonprofit Medical Clinic

Part of my work finds me involved with community development issues. That has drawn me into the world of nonprofits and the affiliated ministries and partnerships which may emerge when need and opportunity cross paths. So, a few of us are starting a medical clinic group and a community development group. Anyone interested in learning more, sharing your experiences, or helping with funding are welcomed to join the excitement.

Here's an upcoming event for anyone interested in health ministries within a church or for those interested in medical clinic work to meet the needs of the uninsured or underinsured.

http://www.gbophb.org/UserFiles/File/events/emp_min2008.pdf

Togo Full Report

The team saw 1231 people come through the medical clinic and pharmacy, about 750 additional people received worm pills and either vitamins or aspirin, and another 1023 people receive glasses.