Article by Michael Skinner
ASU Sports Information Director
This past April, a group of 12 Adams State University nursing students and two instructors traveled to the island of Roatan, Honduras as part of a medical mission trip.
The trip was made possible in part to a $1,500 donation from the Adams State athletic department and Chili’s Restaurant.
The extended trip resulted in the program taking 14 tubs, two duffle bags, a suitcase, and three carry-on bags full of medical supplies and clothing with them. "With help and coordination from Clinica Esperanza we were able to size and distribute over 6,000 pairs of TOMS shoes, host health fairs, diabetes education classes, and see how Clinica Esperanza is run. The trip was an eye-opening and amazing experience for the students. We cannot thank our generous community enough for all their help in getting us there." said Kristina Cook, nursing administrative assistant.
The 6,000 pairs of TOMS shoes were sized and fitted to school age children in a matter of two days. The group’s travel took them to schools in Oakridge, Punta Gorda, French Harbor, and Los Fuertes.
While conducting a street health fair in downtown Coxen Hole, the ASU Nursing Department screened participants for blood pressure, pulses, and vision. The participants were also given educational information based on their personal results.
In Flowers Bay, the group conducted a six week class on diabetes education in a community with high rates of diabetes and hypertension. The nursing program tracked the health status of each participant to note changes from the beginning and end of the six week long class.
Efforts were also spent in the community of La Colonia teaching the importance of dental hygiene to children in an area with limited water resources. Students stressed the importance of brushing teeth twice a day and washing hands after going to the bathroom. The nursing program also checked blood sugars, blood pressure, and heart rates of adults while in the area.
While at Clinica Esperanza, students rotated through different units (pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology , pharmacy, and triage) and helped count bags of ibuprofen and acetaminophen that would then be given to patients who were unable to afford the drugs.
Aside from their work involvement the students had time to take in the countryside and go snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, kayaking, and zip lining.
