Medical Services Dr. Jane Ferry
There are no doctors in the villages where we work and to receive any medical care, people have to travel over an hour -- and at considerable expense -- to see a community health care worker. The lack of medical care significantly hampers our goal of giving every child the opportunity to succeed -- not only do sick kids miss school but when parents can't work, their kids can't eat.
Therefore, over the past four years, we have delivered over 2,000 pounds of medical supplies and, led by Dr. Jane Ferry (chief medical officer at Grandview Hospital in Sellersville, Pa.), we have treated more than 2,000 people, none of whom had ever seen a Doctor before. In 2013, Dr. Ferry brought colleagues Dr. Kimberly Smith and nurses Cindy Limbert and Jill Mullen. In addition to treating the sick people in the area, we distributed micro-nutrients, Vitamins, de-wormers, and other basic treatments. Dr. Ferry also brought 3 microscopes, and other medical teaching devices to the local high school. Our medical team also visited the local Health Center and met with community leaders regarding ongoing health issues and ways that we can work together with them. We continue to work on ways to bring better medical care to this community and this program will be expanded in the coming years. In a meeting with local parents, I was told that the most pressing issue in the community - for both students and adults -- was the lack of a local health clinic. Land was donated to us and we are now hoping to raise money (approximately $20,000) to construct this clinic. One of our specific projects is Bernard Okallo. Bernard was born with a rare condition whereby all his joints were fused. When we discovered Bernard, he was 3.5 years old, he couldn't walk, and he had no prospect of ever walking again. Now, 3 operations later, he has a very good chance of someday being able to walk again.
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