Our clinic team headed off today to the Shield Center located about six miles outside of Antigua. The center is filled with children and teens who have been pulled off the streets with the goal of turning their lives around. Most have been exposed to drug and organ trafficking, gangs and prostitution. The center has strict rules and guidelines, which is fine because many of the children do not want to return home and are eager to help and learn.
The Shield Family funded the center. With a price tag of approximately $420,000, it took approximately four months to transform this old dumpsite into a home for these children in need. The word was put out that our medical team was arriving to assist the village and soon mothers, children, fathers, and a few elderly residents, showed up to receive the much needed treatment after a long winter. This was the first time a MMF team has visited here.
As we were swamped in the clinic, Jane Torline did a tremendous job coordinating art projects for the children. Hats off to Jane and everyone who helped out today!
Joanne Lacy, our pharmacist, has been absolutely amazing. She has been responsible for putting together all of the medicine for this mission. She sets up a pharmacy at each clinic, and man, does she know her STUFF!! Everyone on the clinic team is so impressed with Joanne and her ability to multi-task. She takes pride with every prescription she fills and every patient she sees. Without people like Joanne, this trip would not be possible.
Today was a milestone for this trip with 129 patients being seen by our three wonderful doctors. With the help of the doctors, pharmacist, interpreters, med students, arts and crafts directors and runners, we had a very successful day at the clinic!
This Shield Center is a safe and secure haven for these children. They give these young ones the hope they needed in order to live like any other child. The people who thought of establishing this facility and those who work in it to help these children live better lives are truly commendable.
Posted by: Carolin Newmeyer | February 15, 2012 at 09:45 AM