SOMOS AMIGOS MEDICAL MISSIONS

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In 2015, the Outreach Commission at Christ Episcopal Church added Somos Amigos Medical Missions to its list of outreach projects to be supported by funds and publicity.

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For 20 years, Somos Amigos has delivered quality medical and dental care to communities surrounding El Naranjito in the mountains of the Dominican Republic, a 3-day walk from Haiti.  During this time, 650 volunteers from all over the U.S. and from several other countries have provided more than 21,000 patient consults at the clinic, which is open a week in each of January, April, July, and October.  100% of the financial support needed for each year’s work comes from individuals who believe that by working with the people of El Naranjito, we can improve lives through quality medical care, dental care, and health education, and that we have an obligation to reach out and try to make a difference in our world; the organization's administrative costs are covered by generous foundation grants.

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The residents of El Naranjito, a small community located near the Haitian border, take care of the clinic year round and follow up on patients referred for tests and procedures between clinic weeks in the months of January, April, July, and October.  During clinic weeks, the local people set aside their daily work to help run the clinic, which serves an area approximately the size of our own Howard County.

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Records are kept for more than 5,000 Dominican and Haitian patients who have sought medical or dental care at the clinic over the past 20 years, and upwards of 500 patients are seen and treated during each clinic week. The continuity of care in a region of subsistence farming with scarce medical and dental care means that chronic diseases are kept under control; emerging health issues are treated; and healthier life habits are being taught and supported.

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For more information about Somos Amigos Medical Missions, please visit their website.