The Flying Samaritans May Clinic took place on Saturday, May 17 at Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. Five pilots transported the volunteers to Lopez Mateos including Paul Rowley, who flew directly to Lopez, Bryce Dill, Pat McClure, Bob Dobransky and Joe Granado. We were delighted to add two new pilots to our group, Bob and Joe, thanks to the continuing efforts of our Pilot Coordinator, Pat McClure.
Paul and crew, Karen León, Blake Wilde and Annie Wilde, did the work of opening and setting up the clinic Friday afternoon to prepare for the arrival of the remaining volunteers on Saturday morning. Our doctors, Dave Moore and Claudia Hart, provided general medical and pediatric care. Neta and Gene Kimel provided chiropractic care and we were fortunate to have three dentists, Blake Wilde, Alan Topham and Kyle Huish. Aiding the dentists were DA, Bambi Huish and helpers Annie Wilde and Lincoln Topham. Karen León handled triage as well as organizing the patient intake, which normally takes two individuals. A big thank you to her! Our interpreters were Cory Lovett and Lee La Follette. Pilot Joe Granado also helped with interpreting. Paul helped train pilots in the reading glasses distribution. And, as always, Judith Logan, was present to help in many areas.
As usual patients were lined up early Saturday morning and over 160 services were provided.
Roberto Logan prepared a delicious lunch and is doing an outstanding job for us.
As we near the end of our season (last clinic is June 21st) I believe we can look back and feel a sense of accomplishment. We successfully staffed every clinic each month. Our only cancellation was due to the new rule from the Mexican Federal Aviation Administration. Other challenges have been successfully handled, however, there is one big challenge we have not been able to overcome. And that is the lack of a fully staffed, committed board. I cannot stress enough the gratitude I feel for those volunteers who, for years, have participated each month giving their best to staff our clinics. However, due to the losses of Don Downey, Charlie Brown and Nick Tex several of us have taken on extra duties and responsibilities. And a couple of coordinators have continued out of sheer good will since no one has come forward to take their place. We are in need of a pharmacist, a dental coordinator, a helper coordinator, an optometry coordinator and a social media coordinator.
Passing the word of our personnel needs would certainly be very helpful to the continued success of our clinics.
With gratitude,
Bonnie Lassen