News and Stories

We traveled again today, but the destination…well, that required alternate transportation. An all-terrain ambulance and 4×4 trucks took the team up rocky and steep gravel trails.  When we finally reached the remote village, the people were ready and waiting. This village has approximately 50 families, and the GHR team stayed until every villager who wanted an appointment was seen. Today, we also had the privilege of working along side local nurses in training.  The nursing students were assembling data on the population and patients’ diagnoses so that they can better serve the needs of the region. As a whole, the team… Read More

After two days of clinic, today was used to review, rest and prepare for the clinics ahead. Statistics were calculated and the team assembled to begin to review what conditions are the greatest burden for the area. We are fortunate to have Dr. Tiffany with us as our first REACH Fellow (Rural Education and Action for Community Health).  Prior to the trip, Tiffany assisted in medical translations and pharmacy labelling. GHR is dedicated to the use of medications that are available to the local people. By using medications that are available in Guatemalan pharmacies, the continuum of care is improved…. Read More

Today marks day 3 of our founding medical mission trip to Guatemala!  As we drive from Antigua to our adopted village, the scenery changes. The colonial architecture and cobblestone streets turn to rolling hills and cement block structures. Terra cotta roofs change to corrugated tin. The drive is about two hours to this remote village, and we pass the puesto de salud on the way. In the Guatemalan health system, the puesto de salud is the first point of care for citizens. It is usually staffed by a medical student that is nearing the end of their training. Here, the… Read More

Global Health Reach began the first day of clinic for its June, 2016 Medical Mission at the village of Xepanil. Xepanil is located about one hour from the nearest medical outpost. In addition to distance, the hills and elevation make transportation difficult and strenuous. The community of Xepanil does not have local medical staff to address emergent needs. The nearest health center (centro de salud) to the village was overjoyed to know that GHR was coming and planning on partnering with this specific community. During the first day, GHR saw 136 patients. Women, men and many, many children arrived to… Read More

What better way to begin a blog than to describe the first GHR Founding Medical Mission Trip?!? We are in beautiful Guatemala, and all have arrived safely. Today marks our first day as a team, and it has been educational, beautiful, and …rainy. Joy and excitement are palpable. As the team assembles in the town of Antigua, new friendships are formed and old ones are renewed. Stories and laughter abound as we settle in to our “home base”. One of the elements that is important to GHR is education–both for the team and for those that we serve. In order… Read More