What We Do

Medical Clinic

Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Hygienists, Lab Technicians, Pharmacists, support people and most importantly translators are all vital to the success of a medical trip.

Typically, over the course of a ten day clinic we would treat over one thousand patients.

Patients travel from neighboring communities. Many travel by foot for 5-6 hours only to wait 8 hours before our medical team assesses them. No one is denied care.

Patients who we are unable to facilitate are provided with the support needed to get the attention they require.

Nurses triage and assess the patients and those that need to, are then seen by the Physicians.

Eye Care

Vision should never be taken for granted. We are so fortunate to be in a community where we have access to sunglasses, hats, eyeglasses and optometrists. In many developing nations, men and women are often working in fields and braving the elements. Most patients present with dry irritated eyes that can be easily prevented and treated with the use of sunglasses or simple eye drops.

We provide eye care services for these patients. The eyeglasses we take with us are donated by the generous community of Southwestern Ontario. We take over 300-400 glasses each trip and fall short each time.

Top and centre right: These eyeglasses were used by patients for years before we provided them with a new pair. Note the glasses are broken and have been taped and roped to remain in one piece
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Dental Care

Dental services are provided depending on availability of qualified personnel.

Dental hygeine classes are provided and it is essential that all individuals who visit the Clinic attend this teaching session.

Pharmacy Services

Pharmacy services are supplied free of charge.

Medications for both acute and chronic conditions are prescribed and dispensed.

Due to the high incidents of parasitic infections, malnutrition and Anemia many patients are treated with adequate supplies of vitamins and medication for pinworms.

Education

“The only weapon needed to fight war, poverty, and oppression is education.”
Dr Vijay Anand

Education is a big part of STIMMA’s objective. Part of our goal is to develop and promote public health in developing nations by educating, and instructing the public on prevention of and curative measures for health problems.

While in the Clinic, all patients partake in mandatory educational seminars. We have created presentations tailored to the Spanish speaking community. The sessions include instruction on dental care, stressing proper hand washing techniques, diet, Diabetes foot care and care of general ailments.

Everyone from the age of 5 and onwards participate in the hands on presentations.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast screening is the regular examination of a woman's breasts to find breast cancer early. It includes mammography (breast X-ray) and a physical examination of the breasts by a physician or a nurse. Self Examinations are key to early detection. Knowing what to look for and educating people is a big part of STIMMAs initiative for healthier communities. Men and women are both educated on proper examination techniques. They are encouraged to routinely do examinations every full moon for consistency.

Community Support

Visiting schools and local centers is an important part of providing ongoing support. Education is extremely important and essential to the success and growth of a community. Care packages for school are donated including school supplies and soccer balls to encourage physical activity.

STIMMA is grateful for the support local communities provide while abroad. We rely on local individuals to help with translations, transportation, registration, relaying information about the clinic to neighbouring communities and helping to manage the general flow of the Clinic.

Some communities are in a growth phase and require assistance to get projects off the ground. Ideas are brainstormed and funds are provided to get the project started.

Follow up is essential to ensure funds are being properly utilized and to ensure things are moving forward. Ongoing communication after returning home is just as important as the care provided in the clinics.

Recently, STIMMA joined forces with ASALCA (Salvadorian Canadian Association) to sponsor a group of children to complete their schooling. The team was able to give $4000USD to allow these children the ability to attend school. The cost of sending one child to elementary school is $60-70, secondary school is around $250, and post secondary is $300. This included the cost of their housing, uniform, books and supplies. The goal of supporting these children in rural El Salvador is to help rebuild communities that were devastated by civil unrest in the 1990’s and the tragic earthquake of 2001.

For a complete look at the selection criteria and for more information on the Education program please visit www.asalca.ca

Group of children that ASALCA and STIMMA set up educational funds for

HARP PROJECT IN SUCHITOTO, EL SALVADOR

STIMMA has launched its new harp program.

Visit our news page for more details.

Ambulance Fund

In an effort to give back to a community that had welcomed us with open arms, STIMMA provided the people of Arcatao/Neuvo Trinidad with start up funds for an ambulance service. These communities are located a few hours away from Chalatenango (closest hospital). Emergency patients are transported in the back of a pick up truck and travel two hours on a bumpy, rocky road to the northwest capital city. Unfortunately, accessibility to a maintained vehicle with enough gas is not always available. STIMMA volunteers decided to provide the community with resources to ensure that all emergency and acute cases were able to make it to the hospital.

Shown right: This 7 year old boy was brought by horseback to the clinic with his grandfather. He had broken his ankle the day before. He needed surgery and his family had no money. This tough little boy came to the clinic in pain – scared and crying. We were able to sedate him (hence the smile) and provide his family with $40USD to have the surgery. He was taken to the hospital 4 hours away by a local volunteer who graciously lent his time and pick up truck.