APC Community Services team recently returned from its 2023 medical mission to Guyana, where a donation of $25,000 worth of equipment and supplies were distributed in Region 6 according to President and CEO, Janice Emanuel McLean. Ph.D., ND.
Services were extended to 10 Health Centers in Region 6, Bara-Cara, Angoy, Brothers, No 53, Eversham, Whim, No 76, Bushlot, Skeldon, Plegtander, and Williamsburg, and the National Psychiatric Hospital in New Amsterdam with special training for primary care physicians and others.
The items included a cataract microscope, cataract kits, surgery supplies and other necessities, that went to the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Morant. Medical beds, motorized wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, Hoyer lift, shower chairs, commodes, toilet seat elevators and other supplies, were also handed over during a presentation ceremony.
Dr. Vishayla Sharma-Regional Health Officer and Dr. Vassana Henry thanked Dr. McLean and APC Medical Team for the generous donation, according to the organization, that has donated $525,000 worth of medicine, equipment, glasses, and supplies during missions.
The APC Medical Mission team consisted of doctors Daniel Beckles, Orin Douglas, Victor Fornari, Alice Fornari, Gerald Antoine, Stephen Carryl, and Janice Emanuel McLean.
Nurse practitioners Alice Blaire and Mohani Ramsahai; nurses — Dawn Ceasar, Beverly Griffith, Icilda Innocent, Esther Rawlins Cherril Bacheu and Desiree Thom Leith; Psychologist — Edward McLean, Substance Abuse Counselor- Dr. Nigel Lewis, Nutritionist — Claire Patterson, Social Worker- Lisa Saunders, Clerical Admin Hildegarde Reimers/ Dr. Yvonne Peters, Registrar — Peggy Cartmill and Volunteers-Theron Ceasar, and Glen Thom.
According to Dr. Emanuel McLean, during the week of clinics local doctors collaborated seamlessly with Drs. Dian Thomas, Singh, Henry, Benons, and Ramar.
According to Dr. Emanuel McLean, over five hundred patients were seen, and ten home visits were conducted to meet the needs of the elderly. “This is the first time that the team has conducted home visits and we were so gratified with the response that we will continue this service as opportunities and needs arise,” according to the release.
The Medical team also conducted a Health Expo in collaboration with Davis Memorial Hospital and the Guyana Conference of SDA, where over 75 participants received Blood pressure and Blood Sugar screening, BMI, Lung capacity testing, Health Age screening, Nutrition education and Food demonstration, with an excellent presentation on heart disease by Dr. Daniel Beckles- Cardiothoracic Surgeon- Baylor, and Scott White Health System-Texas, said the medical professional.
APC medical team culminated the mission with a Medical CME conference under the theme: “Resetting the care delivery for wellness 2023 and Beyond” in collaboration with the University of Guyana and Ministry of Health. Dr Frank Anthony declared the conference open and provided an update on the vision and progress of the Ministry of Health.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Stephen Carryl, CEO Community SDA Hospital-Trinidad, focused on the impact of Obesity on health. The chronic Disease panel consisted of Dr. Lachmie Lall — director of Chronic Diseases, Dr. Gerald Antoine — Director-Stroke/Rehab Center Trinidad, Dr Daniel Beckles- Baylor, Scott White Health System-Texas, and Dr. Janice McLean — Uzima Lifestyle Center.
The afternoon session focused on Mental Health and workshops. Dr. Timothy Morgan, director of Mental Health laid the groundwork on the policies and plans for mental health in Guyana, followed by Dr. Victor Fornari-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – Northwell, according to Dr. Janice Emanuel McLean, who has led medical missions to Guyana since 2011.
APC volunteers have also provided free medical consultation in podiatry, pediatric, GYN, vision (cataract surgery), dental, mental health services and health education, during missions in Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and Ghana.
