I’ve had numerous physicians approaching me with plans to go on mission trips. I find it inspiring that in spite of all of the noise about our economy and gloom about the future, there are a lot of people still finding ways to keep giving. Some of these docs are looking at international missions and some are focused here at home. I’ve even had the chance to connect some of them with missions in which I am involved.
Most medical mission trips involve taking medical supplies or pharmaceuticals as part of the care program. PCA offers a few options to medical care providers as they look to embark on their mission. We offer a full array of medical supplies: needles/syringes, paper products, gloves, bandages etc. These items can be bulky and difficult for the trip to the mission location. Plan accordingly. Though we provide clinics with prepackaged pharmaceuticals for in-office dispensing, this approach does not work as well for physicians traveling to mission sites. Many of our physicians have been requesting bulk bottles of medications and smaller empty bottles for onsite dispensing to patients. Though pill counting is generally discouraged in U.S. clinics, the circumstances of mission trips dictate a more flexible approach.
With two boxes, a doctor can bring a variety of medications and hundreds of bottles along for the ride. Non-child proof caps are preferred because of the condition of many patients. Care providers can bring medication dispensing to areas that have very limited access to healthcare and associated products.
Want to get involved? There are numerous organizations and sites available to help you get plugged in. A few are listed below:
Health Care Volunteer
Medical Missions for Children
Medical Missions Directory
