Once again, we have exceeded our own expectations.  We enlisted a record-breaking number of participants for the Summer 2010 trip with a team of 17 and saw a record-breaking number of patients (444!) during our four days of clinic. Besides the grueling hot weather and a day of rain, clinic ran smoothly. We were able to follow-up on many of our patients with diabetes and hypertension and, due to our improved system of documentation, we expect that future trips will be able to treat these patients with ease. We were priviledged to receive a donation from Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals prior to the trip and to be able to give a toothbrush and toothpaste to every patient with their prescriptions.  Our patients were very excited about this gift as well.  In addition to hosting clinics in Monte de Olivos, Siete de Abril, and Villa Soleada, we were able to make a large donation of medical supplies to the local hospital of El Progresso. The supplies had been collected in the past year, but were of no use to us in clinic. Overall, this was our fifth semi-annual trip to Honduras. At this point the people of Monte, Siete, and Villa recognize us and are very grateful for the care we provide. You can see it in their smiles and their appreciative hugs they give us after a day of clinic.

After clinic was finished, we headed to the island of Utila to relax for a few days. While there, we enjoyed blue-green waters and white sand beaches. We even had an opportunity to snorkel along the Mesoamerican barrier reef ystem. Although Honduras did not play well in the World Cup, we were excited to be among the locals when they competed. I look forward to the next trip in December when new faces will join PODEMOS in our efforts.

-Liz Hess 2009-2010 Pharmacy Coordinator