The Flying Samaritans Phoenix Chapter clinic took place on June 21 at Lopez Mateos. Our trusty pilots included Paul Rowley, Brice Dill, Pat McClure and Keith Rowley, a first-timer.
With Guaymas being our only option at this time for flight plans to Lopez, we cleared customs and after a quick lunch and visit to the hotel that Paul Rowley had secured for us, the Hotel Playa De Cortez, those of us on the direct plane to Lopez continued our trip. The remaining planes stayed overnight in Guaymas. For those of you who may not know, the Hotel Serenidad in Mulegé is no longer open due to a hostile takeover by the local ejido. The owners are in the process of trying to regain possession of hotel and everything contained within it. It appears to be a lengthy and costly venture and we continue to hope the owners will be successful. Time will tell.
Paul, Shelly Collins, Karen León and I found the temperatures and cool breeze in Lopez refreshing after our quick stay in Guaymas. Clean up and set up were accomplished and ready for the arrivals of the planes on Saturday morning.
Patients were waiting in line at 8:00 a.m. and continued to show up throughout the morning. Karen provided triage services and Shelly started right away with dental hygiene patients.
With the arrival of the other three planes, Mark Brown saw general medical patients, Gail Brown saw ob/gyn patients and Claudia Hart managed pediatrics. Gene and Neta Kimmel saw the chiropractic patients and Paul and Keith Rowley distributed reading glasses and sun glasses. Bill Collett and I served as interpreters. Our helpers this time included Dave Bowman, Trish Dill and Pat McClure. Brice Dill helped in the pharmacy.
All in all, 162 services were provided.
Gail Brown was taken by surprise by a patient who reminded her that Gail had provided prenatal care to her when she was pregnant with her daughter and she brought along her daughter who had just turned 21. A special moment, indeed.
The 2024-2025 season for our chapter has not been without its challenges. We have lost key personnel due to the passings of dedicated, energetic nd admired members in addition to attrition due to busy schedules, lifestyle changes, etc.
Several of us (Gail, Pat, me) have taken on the jobs of those folks who are no longer with us or busy with other obligations. We have openings for pharmacy coordinator, triage coordinator, dental coordinator, trip Coordinator, and optometry coordinator, It is a lot, folks, and we need people to step up and help out. Every month we need at least two nurses, triage can get very busy. We need more interpreters. We need more chiropractors. We need more dentists and dental hygienists. It helps if everyone makes efforts to recruit.
Also, a reminder that dues are due for the upcoming season.
Our planning meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of each month and all members are welcome to attend. They take place at the Chandler Airport Conference room and start at 6:30 p.m. Join us and get to know how we put these trips together. We are always open for suggestions and ideas. The next meeting will be October 5. 2025.
Thanks to all who made the June clinic and this last season possible.
Bonnie Lassen