This January, a group of more than 40 nurses, nursing students, Peace Corp volunteers, doctors, Spanish interpreters and volunteers travelled to the Dominican Republic to provide health care to rural villages.
“It was a wonderful experience. Each day we traveled to remote villages to set up clinics to treat the people of the villages,” said volunteer Jasmine Quarles of the Dance Studio of Maine. “I met several people who had not seen a health care provider for several years.”
Each year the University of Southern Maine works together with the Partners for International Rural Health Program in the Dominican Republic to serve over 2,000 patients in the 2 week period. Students and nurses deliver community health services and education while attempting to overcome basic obstacles such as language barriers, educational, and social conditions.
This year’s trip was unique because of the earthquake in Haiti. The group was only 70 miles from Port-au-Prince, where the quake in was felt but did only minimal damage to the area. “We could feel the quake but had no idea the damage that was done just across the island,” Quarles said. “I am so thankful we were there and able to help. I can only imagine that next year they will need even more support. I am going to encourage everyone I know to get involved. It is truly a life changing experience and such a good cause.”
For more information, contact Jasmine Quarles at jasmine.quarles@maine.edu
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