Transforming a Community: Medical Mission in Negril, Jamaica
Every year, a group of dedicated volunteers sets out on a profound journey to make a difference in Negril, Jamaica, transforming a local church into a bustling medical center. This year was no different, as they once again converted the space into a venue filled with various health care stations, makeshift patient rooms, and plenty of vital supplies. With the involvement of three Northwestern Medicine health care professionals from McHenry County, this initiative successfully provided free health services to over 500 individuals in need.
The Joshua Mission: A Vision for Global Health
Organized by the Cary-based nonprofit the Joshua Mission, the annual medical mission trip has cemented its place as a vital event for the community over the past six years. Each February, this organization orchestrates the mission with the aim of bringing fundamental and often life-saving health care to those without regular access to these necessities. Founded in 2016 by nurse practitioner Susan Bartsch and her husband Greg, the Joshua Mission has steadily grown, attracting a larger team and providing more comprehensive health services year after year.
Addressing a Dire Need for Health Services
Health care accessibility in Jamaica remains alarmingly limited, with the nearest public hospital nearly 20 miles from Negril. As noted by Susan Bartsch, the Joshua Mission effectively replaces formal health care access for most of their patients, emphasizing the critical nature of their work. This year’s mission team comprised around 30 volunteers from the United States and Canada, including nurses, dental hygienists, and physicians, alongside those without medical backgrounds eager to contribute.
Stories from the Ground: Passionate Volunteers
Judy Wett, a cardiology nurse at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, has participated in two missions to Jamaica with Joshua Mission. Her journey with the mission started through a colleague, and since then, her drive to make a difference has only grown, leading her onto the Joshua Mission board. She articulates the fulfillment derived from helping others and promoting healthier lifestyles.
The mission goes beyond typical medical duties. It’s a community effort; one inspired by personal connections as evident in the Bartsch story. Susan Bartsch's connection to Jamaica began with her husband’s frequent visits to the country as a cabinetmaker. Through his relationships, she began offering medical assistance to families, which grew into widespread community outreach.
Real Faces of Impact: A Story of Hope
The impact of these missions is best highlighted in personal stories. For instance, Bartsch recalls her first patient, Joshua, who suffered from dangerously high blood pressure. With essential care and intervention, Joshua's life was transformed. His gratitude, reflected in personal words to Susan Bartsch during this year’s mission, underscores the very real life-or-death impact these missions hold.
Dr. Nathan Kakish, a primary care physician serving both Huntley and Woodstock under Northwestern Medicine, participated for the first time this year. His observations point to a health system with meager resources and staff. Part of his mission role was conducting check-ups, which paved the way for managing patient conditions and integrating them into local health systems for continued care. His quick thinking to adapt paper cups as makeshift spacers for asthma inhalers, relying on knowledge from a medical seminar years prior, illustrates the resourcefulness employed when conventional solutions are absent.
Continuing the Journey of Service
Volunteering is a deeply ingrained practice for Dr. Kakish, who has offered his services over almost two decades at the Family Health Partnership Clinic in Crystal Lake. His belief that health care is a fundamental human right drives their actions in Negril and aligns with the overarching mission. The overarching goal is to ensure health support board accessibility to all without causing financial strain.
The Joshua Mission’s generosity extends beyond their immediate efforts; they donate barrels filled with essential medical supplies to clinics and emergency services, inclusive of medications, vitamins, medical tools, and technologies like EKG machines.
Empowering Local Health Care Through Education
Another key part of the mission lies in empowering local health professionals through education. Kate Brania, a wound care nurse at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, had the chance to closely collaborate with a local medical clinic, imparting valuable knowledge about the newly donated supplies. Witnessing the struggle to manage their low resources, Brania’s role this year was pivotal in transitioning local care from symptom management to more comprehensive health solutions.
A Collective Effort: Rotary Club’s Contribution
The mission extends its outreach with the collaboration of local and international partners. The Rotary Club of Fox Valley Sunset, representing regions like Crystal Lake, Algonquin, and Elgin, has actively joined hands with the Joshua Mission recently. Apart from their medical assistance, they involve in community enhancement projects, such as renovating a rural medical clinic and supporting communities with essential infrastructure needs.
A Continuing Commitment: The Path Forward
Missions like these are not just about the healthcare provided but also about bringing hope, health education, and a sense of community. Though the mission is a week-long endeavor requiring immense effort, participants like Brania emphasize the intrinsic rewards — the reminder of why they entered healthcare professions, the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause, and the potential impact on each patient's life.
Through these collaborative global outreach programs, volunteers bring essential health resources and education to underrepresented areas, positively impacting communities both locally and internationally. The Joshua Mission and its partners travel paths that transform lives, proving how united efforts can bridge gaps in global health disparities.
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