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CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. –Medical professionals and community members from the Franklin County area and surrounding communities returned Tuesday, February 19, from a 12-day medical mission trip to Ecuador.

“We cared for more than 1,000 patients at different clinics outside of the city of Ibarra in the remote, isolated mountain villages where most of the inhabitants have little access to medical care,” said trip organizer and Director of Pastoral Care at Chambersburg Hospital, Chaplain Paul Yeun.  “The clinics were converted churches, community centers and schools.”

The team of 22 was made up of medical doctors, a chaplain, a certified nurse anesthetist, a certified nurse midwife, registered nurses, a pharmacist, a nurse assistant, a speech therapist, interpreters and general helpers.

“When we arrived, our team was joined by two nurses from other states and one public health person from Canada,” Yeun explained. “We also teamed up with a medical doctor from the local area.”

The group took with them vitamins, medical supplies, gifts and health kits for children and families of the patients.  According to Yeun, “Those items were purchased through donations from churches and individuals. The Cumberland Valley Relief Center has donated hundreds of pouches for the last six missions.”

The group also provided disease prevention education, and classes on nutrition, lower back pain and exercises, personal and environmental hygiene, water treatment, breast and prostate cancer prevention, prenatal issues, and religion and health.

“Most of the patients spend half of the day with us at the clinic,” Yeun noted. “They spent time in consultation, education and treatment. Our team was able to offer a holistic approach to health.”

Chaplain Yeun also presented seminars on clinical pastoral care and counseling for local pastors during the mission trip.

“This is such a wonderful way to reach out to other human beings and help in any way that we can,” Yeun said. “And, our team members do this out of the kindness of their hearts. They pay their own way, and give of their time and talents to help other people in the world. I’m so glad that I have been able to be involved in these mission trips.”

The members of the 2013 medical mission trip are: Emma Aguero, Joshua Aguero, Kristi Aguero, Ramiro Aguero, Dr. Amardeep Angroola, Jamie Baker, Dr. Shazia Choudry, Holly Friese, Fred Gindlesperger, Dianne Hetrick, Jennifer Irvin, Danielle Kessler, Devin Kessler, Shawn Medora, Connie Murray, Melissa Myers, Christine Ng, Dr. Kantilal Patel, Cathy Prieston, Evans Prieston, Nancy Starcher, and Chaplain Paul Yeun.

Yeun said that a mission trip for 2014 is already being planned. The location has not yet been decided, but he said if anyone is interested in participating or making donations you can contact Chaplain Yeun at (717) 267-7749.

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