07/28/2026
Good evening to all of you. Today was the first day of real action for the 2026 SLP OEC Dominican Republic medical mission team. The team split into three groups; the Barrio mobile medical team went to a (really hot) church in Elias Pina, about 15 minutes from the Haitian border. A second team taught 15 nursing and pre-med students at the University in San Juan. The third team worked construction at one of the Solid Rock International elementary schools.
Team Barrio: Today, we treated and cared for a total of 88 patients in 6 hours. There were 4 different sections in the Barrios. Section 1 (triage) took the incoming patients, got histories, and a set of vitals. Section 2: patients were seen by doctors who next sent them to the pharmacy to pick up medications and prescriptions in Section 3. Lastly, in Section 4, we had the opportunity to visit patients at their own homes if they were unable to physically come to the clinic, and we provided care to them at their place of residence.
As students, we were able to learn priceless knowledge from the EMTs, nurses, and doctors that we worked alongside and admired their empathetic style of care. We also truly enjoyed the pure joy from both the children we got to do pipe cleaners and painting crafts with, and also from the families that we reassured or guided in the right medical direction.
Team Education: Jason K, Adam H, Bryce B, and Mark J went with two translators, Juario and Bianca, to the local university. Even though it was summer vacation, 15 nursing students came in to hear lectures and skill practice about advanced CPR skills, trauma assessment and management of cardiovascular assessment and management and stroke recognition and treatment. They were a polite and attentive audience, and the translators helped us tremendously to convey our knowledge and help students with questions. Some of the university leadership introduced us at the beginning of class and made us feel very honored to be present in class. They told us to come back anytime, even if the door was locked! :) We really appreciated their hospitality and gratitude and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with future healthcare professionals. It was a wonderful day!
Team Construction: Five of us went to one of SRI's elementary schools to assist in improving the site. We arrived to an intimidating field of rocks and dirt. We got to work with pickaxes and shovels clearing and leveling to about 3 inches depth to prepare for the concrete that will be poured to fill in the rest of the pavement in their outdoor pavilion. The ministry assistants with the team wowed everybody with their strength, and showed us how it was done with the pickaxes, demolishing the ground at incredible speeds. We got to eat lunch at a local restaurant and enjoyed good conversation with the locals and members of the SRI construction crew. After returning to work we enjoyed a brief rebar bending competition and managed to continue clearing about two thirds of our the soon to be pavement. We also got the opportunity to assist with the concrete, and we shoveled ingredients into the mixer. The concrete is being used to replace part of the floor in a classroom needing repair. We returned to the guest house with memories and good conversation with our ministry assistants, excited for what tomorrow brings!
Thank you all for the support you've given to this trip, it is already changing lives. We'll be back tomorrow with more updates, but until then, we'll keep on learning, giving and loving.
--OEC out
