Newsletter Updates

» caring for those in need

Monday, September 25, 2006 - We continue to see patients, week after week, month after month, and are pleased to be able to make a difference. Drs. Ava Stanley, Chris Sedlacek, and John and Alieta Eck see patients every week, and see real progress in their care. Dr. Gladibel Medina sees pediatric patients on the first Tuesday of every month. All physicians volunteer their time. We see new diabetics and begin the painstaking task of teaching them about their disease and how to stay the healthiest. Access to medicines is a real challenge, but with donations from pharmaceutical companies and regular financial donors, no one is left without the help they need.

Last week, we met a new patient--a 22 year old young man who had become a recluse in his own home due to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and depression. When he ventured out, it was to obtain drugs, mostly marijuana-- anything that would make him feel better for the moment. Amazingly, he knew what he needed-- an anti-depressant that had worked well in the past. But he had stopped it when he turned 19 and was no longer on his single mother's health insurance policy.

His parole officer referred him to the Zarephath Health Center. After taking a careful history and corroborating the facts with his mother, we were able to announce that samples of his medicine had arrived that very week. We gave him a two week supply and will see him when these are finished. We will work to access counseling and further medical care so that he can become a productive member of society. It is always our goal to make people well enough to no longer need our services. But, meanwhile, we want them to know that there is a God who loves them very much.

Our focus on Antigua has taken a breather as we await the decision of the government as to who will eventually operate their beautiful new hospital facility. So we continue the work that God has given us right here, and feel his blessing as we care for those who cannot care for themselves.