News Spring 2011

2010 & 2011 Medical Missions

We have completed three medical missions in 2010 & 2011: two in Bucaramanga, Colombia and one in Cusco, Peru which marks our third mission in Cusco. We are happy to report that we are following-up on our promise to return to these communities year after year to provide on-going medical attention. Each mission has proven very successful; in addition to seeing more and more patients we are also adding on more services such as dental care and eye care. Some of our notable accomplishments during these missions include:

• Saw 9,375 cases in pediatrics, gynecological care, internal medicine, dental care and physical therapy
• Distributed $150,000 worth of medicines
• Distributed 1,000 toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Provided 10 wheelchairs, 40 canes and 20 walkers
• Distributed 2,000 pairs of reading glasses and 1,000 pairs of sunglasses

Peru 2010 Mission

In August 2010, Hands Across the Americas completed its third medical mission in Cusco, Peru. We took a team of 48 volunteers, treated about 2,000 people and dispensed about 2,500 doses of medication in 5 different locations. Some highlights and new developments for this year are:

* Three dentists went on the Mission and saw about 300 people. Hands bought a portable dental equipment machine so the dentists could do cleanings, fill cavities and do tooth extractions.
* We also taught people about dental hygiene and handed out hundreds of toothbrushes and toothpaste.
* Our pediatricians and internal medicine doctors continued to do physical exams and the OB/GYN's did gynecological exams.
* Our team dermatologist did skin consultations and gave prescription creams to people whose skin is affected from the weather and altitude.
* We handed out about 1,000 reading glasses and sunglasses
* One of the doctors diagnosed a patient with diabetes and we left enough medication for this patient for the whole year. We also left enough blood pressure medication to treat extreme cases for a year.
* This year we were pleased to bring 12 students ranging from 18 to 22 years on the mission. Our student volunteers had a great time and were very helpful. Hands is pleased to play a role in teaching our younger generation to give back to those less fortunate.