Fisher River member, Nicole Patterson shares her story of achieving a dream of going on a Medical Mission to Africa – Congratulations Nicole and thank you for your work, locally and nationally.
“Hello! I’d love to share the wonderful experience I was given to go on a medical mission’s trip to Ghana, Africa. I went through the program IVHQ. I was away from home for 19 days. My housing was in Frankadua but I went around to the surrounding villages via walking, tro-tro, motorcycles & vehicle. During my trip I did multiple tasks around the communities in Ghana such as:
- malaria testing & treatments
- baby clinic / immunizations
- dressing changes
- worked with midwifes in the birthing of babies & post-natal care
- medicine dispensing
- palliative care
- covid vaccines
- HIV testing
- sexual education
- hand washing & hygiene education
My time volunteering in Africa was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and it has changed my perspective on life. To see how little they have but how happy they are is inspiring. I have met the most beautiful people! It was a great opportunity for myself as a nurse to discover what the healthcare system was like in another country and to see what my strength and weakness were. It was challenging but eye-opening at the same time.
It has been a dream of mine to provide care in Africa as a nurse. The IVHQ program made it possible. The program is made for volunteers around the world who want to contribute to countries in need not only in healthcare but many other ways. I would recommend anyone who wants to volunteer abroad to go with their heart and do it! It is so needed and rewarding!”
