BY HAILEY CHAPMAN
The Fort Hays State University nursing program is currently stationed in the Dominican Republic, providing aid and medical relief to patients in a third-world country.
The students are under the supervision of Associate Professor Kathleen Ward, who has accompanied the trips for more than 10 years.
The trip began June 8 with 10 BSN students traveling to San Jose de Las Matas, Dominican Republic, with their return on June 22.
Students who traveled were required to raise $950 for flight costs and $1,400 for living expenses during their time in the Dominican.
Nurses partaking also reached out to gain materials needed for the trip, as there is a large scarcity of medical instruments and supplies in the area.
Items they were able to gather range from bandages, eyedrops and vitamins, to over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen, ointments and hygienic washes.
The program is working alongside Medical Ministry International, whose mission statement is as follows: We seek to be people of integrity and good character as we strive to serve with excellence. We seek to be faithful stewards and accountable of all that God has provided Medical Ministry International. Compassion is an integral part of everything we do because we strive to be the Hands and Feet of God. Jesus provided the perfect example of selfless love and compassion, and it is through this example we conduct our services. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15).
According to MMI’s website, the group has been active in the Dominican for more than 50 years with its first venture in 1969. While working alongside the MMI, students will not only be providing care to those in need, but will have the opportunity to learn from professionals in a safe and constructive environment.
According to the World Health Organization, the top three most common diseases in this area include schistosomiasis, HIV/AIDS and malaria. Schistosomiasis is prevalent among the people of the country due to the parasitic nature of their water sources. HIV/AIDS is common in third-world countries due to a lack of health-care insurance and unsterile needle usage. Malaria is spread through mosquitoes and is curable if detected early.
Primary illness and injury day-to-day comes from long work days in the field. That creates a prevalent wide range of back problems, alongside stomach problems due to the common unhealthy diet which poorly affects their gastrointestinal systems.