The Sixth Mission -- March 2004

WOW! What a trip! The Chiapas Project has recently completed its 6th trip to the town of Ocotepec, Chiapas, Mexico and what a success it was.

For the first time in our brief (2 ½ year) history, enough physicians and dentists joined the many nurses, physician’s assistants, adult and student volunteers and translators so that not only were we able to treat thousands of patients in our main facility, but were able to go to surrounding villages to treat those people unable to make the walk into Ocotepec, and we were able to make great strides in education. We have made the jump to the next step in our effort to improve the lives of the people we wish to serve.

While our physicians (Bruce Auerbach – Emergency Medicine, Robin Richman – Gynecology, and Jean Riquelme – Family Medicine) ran busy clinics with the aid of Physician’s Assistants (Erika Boka and Steven Steinberg) and nurses (Mary Morgan, Roe Wellman, Barry Bontempo, and Maria Marisio), Joanne Liegner (Gynecologist) spent one day with the Partaras (midwives) of the region. During this daylong session, Joanne learned how the partaras practice and provided lessons in emergency obstetrics. She also provided medicines, gloves, and kits (flashlights, syringes, books, etc.) to the partaras in order to reduce the incidence of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The next day, Joanne held another session with the herbal doctors of the area. In the morning she taught “modern” medical techniques to these men. In the afternoon, the herbalists taught Joanne the traditional ways. She was also taken on a tour of their medicinal garden. Strong bonds were forged with the practitioners of the region.

Also for the first time, we had more than two dentists on this trip. Doug Kohlan (Hawaii), Susan O’Connor (Virginia), and Noel Perkins (London, U.K.) ran a busy and efficient clinic in Ocotepec. They, along with a minimum of 6 volunteers per day, treated hundreds of patients. Extractions, restorations and preventative sealants were completed. Many of the non-dental volunteers working in the dental clinic earned their wings by performing extractions under the watchful eyes of our doctors. One bit of news that we found particularly exciting was that Santa Camancho of Mexico City, veteran of the past 4 trips, announced that she is planning to become a dentist. Santa has been placing sealants on the permanent molars of Ocotepec’s children in order to prevent dental caries. She completes her university studies later this year and is applying to dental schools. We know that Santa will become an excellent dentist and wish her the best in her studies.

Our fourth dentist, David Brody (N.J.) was freed-up to serve mainly as a facilitator and “politico”. On various days, aside from working at triage and the pharmacy, Dave met with the President of the Municipal Council, members of the Rotary Club of Chiapa de Corzo, and representatives of The Sylvan Foundation/Universidad del Valle. The Sylvan Foundation, in response to a request from the Sisters of Ocotepec, provided USD$10,000 in seed money to start a pre-school in Ocotepec. As the students age, the school will grow along with them. The owners of Sylvan Learning Systems also happen to own the Universidad del Valle, a private college with its main campus in Mexico City and 13 branches in other Mexican cities, one of which is Tuxtla Gutierrez. Figuring he was “on a roll”, Dave requested and was granted 2 permanent full scholarships so that students from Ocotepec can get a higher education. These supported students will be obligated to return to Ocotepec after graduation. WOW!

Another exciting development to come from the recent trip is the World Vision, a charitable group with a presence in 19 countries, has decided to expand their community development efforts to southern Mexico. Sister Ernestina Vieyra of Mexico City arranged for the World Vision Director of Projects and their Director of Communications to meet with Drs. Brody and Liegner while our group was in Tuxtla Gutierrez. World Vision seeks to improve the quality of life in impoverished communities by first determining what the people want and need, and then will make a 10-year commitment to the community to address issues such as sanitation, water and food, education, and healthcare. World Vision wants to work with The Chiapas Project and has support from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals de Mexico to build and staff a clinic in Ocotepec. They will train rural healthcare educators. The representatives of World Vision are hoping that The Chiapas Project will take the lead in the healthcare aspects of community development. While nothing is set in stone yet, we feel that World Vision is capable of dealing with many of the problems we have seen in Ocotepec while The Chiapas Project can concentrate on what we do best – providing medical and dental care and education.

Two branches of The Chiapas Project will be in Mexico during the coming months. Dr. Judith Simon is leading a group of Ophthalmologists to Ocotepec in April to provide specialty care. Rev. Don Mossa is leading a group of tradesmen to the orphanages in Tuxtla Gutierrez to make needed repairs to the facilities there.

Our trip was not “all work and no play”. The camaraderie amongst the volunteers was palpable. Our reception from the townsfolk was warm and inviting. The day off in Tuxtla was appreciated and enjoyable. The Friday night farewell dinner outstanding.

Now it’s on to the August 2004 trip…

We have learned that we must have an adequate number of dentists and physicians. PLEASE help us recruit volunteer doctors for the week of August 17-24, 2004 !

The dental aspect of the Project will expand to include placement of Fluoride Varnishes by trained volunteers (We can train you prior to the next trip. It’s not difficult.) and teaching local people to reapply the varnishes in our absence.

Financial support to purchase medicines and instruments is needed. (The grant from Rotary Int’l has been used.) The Chiapas Project has received tax-exempt status from the I.R.S. and all contributions go toward patient care unless specifically designated otherwise.

Pharmaceutical companies and dental manufacturers must be encouraged to make donations so that we may better serve the people of Ocotepec.

Your help in these and other areas is greatly appreciated. Please contact us (info@chiapasproject.org) to see how you can become a part of our group.

Thanks!

Dave Brody, D.M.D., President
The Chiapas Project Inc.
A New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation

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