You’ve probably heard of the medical service trips International Health & Medicine leads to underdeveloped areas around the world.
This year is no different, as almost 70 people will be headed to Jamaica and Nicaragua, as well as a local Native American reservation. Students from the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health, as well as the School of Allied Health Professions, will spend spring break working in the heat, bugs and amid extreme poverty to treat people in these areas, who often lack access to the most basic medical care. Thousands are treated each year, and students and staff gain a meaningful cultural and medical experience.
But these UNMC volunteers need supplies and equipment to take with them to Jamaica and Nicaragua.
Basic items like Band-Aids and gauze, vitamins and even medication are needed. Health care workers often don’t have lab coats or protective equipment, don’t have equipment to help them diagnose sicknesses and may still be learning from outdated books.
In order to provide extraordinary care and cutting-edge research, UNMC often upgrades equipment — but the old versions still work. These models are still far more advanced than those in many of the areas the volunteers will visit. In some cases, this can apply even to the 2000 versions or the 1980 versions.
Instead of sending these items to surplus, consider sending them to help these patients receive a higher standard of care. If you don’t have equipment, consider donating supplies.
Here’s what you need to know:
- All medical supplies, medications and ointments need to be unopened and non-expired.
- Unopened/non-expired toothpaste and toothbrushes are always welcome.
- Non-prescription medications and other over-the-counter items are needed — from antibiotic creams and anti-fungals to pain meds and vitamins.
- Medical/teaching books are welcome, as long as they aren’t huge volumes — volunteers have to travel with them.
- Equipment must be in working condition. If instruction manuals are available, include them.
- Equipment cannot be too high-tech or require hard-to-get supplies. These countries don’t have the infrastructure to support it.
Don’t know what to do with your old lab coat once you get your newly branded one? They need those, too. Just remove the UNMC/The Nebraska Medical Center/UNMC Physician patch and the embroidery, so no one can pretend to be you.
If you have items to donate or want to check on a supply or piece of equipment first, contact Sara Pirtle at 559-2924.