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The greatest impact for me was when a patient asked me to pray with him so he could thank God for sending us to help...What he didn't realize is that I thanked God for the opportunity to help his people.
Jennifer Rios, Patient Care Technician &
Bridge of Life Volunteer
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With YOUR support, in 2016, Bridge of Life has:
- Completed 8 international medical missions
- Hosted 5 domestic chronic kidney disease (CKD) screenings
- Supported 2 kids' camp sessions
- Been supported by 59 DaVita Kidney Care and 20 DaVita Medical Group teammate volunteers
- Impacted 3,513 lives
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Are you a DaVita teammate? Are you looking to HELP SAVE LIVES and PROVIDE ESSENTIAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES to underserved communities?
BOL has two upcoming primary care medical missions in the
Dominican Republic this summer and fall that we are seeking volunteers for.
Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic
August 6-14, 2016
- Opportunities open: 4-6 providers, 2 RNs, 2 pharmacy (pharm, pharm techs or RNs)
Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic
October 15-23, 2016
- Opportunities open: 4-6 providers, 2 RNs, 2 pharmacy (pharm, pharm techs or RNs)
- Opportunities open: 14-18 non-clinical volunteers (any background), 4 Spanish-speaking
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AV Fistula Surgical Mission Improves Lives
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BOL traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica at the end of February and partnered with Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) to provide AV fistula surgeries for 36 patients.
BOL's volunteer team, led by Dr.William Jennings, trained local surgeons on AV fistula creation and post-op care and also trained staff at the local dialysis clinic on fistula care for patients.
Delroy Robinson, a 57-year-old patient at CRH who has kidney disease and has worked at CRH as a porter for 34 years, was hesitant to undergo fistula surgery until BOL volunteer Brandie Bach assured him it would improve his quality of life. "I didn't understand dialysis, I didn't understand what a fistula was and why I needed it," Delroy said. "Brandie explained it all to me very well, and now I am convinced a fistula must be done. I am not nervous, confused or scared. I am thankful and blessed!"
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Providing Medical Care to the Underserved
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Two DaVita Kidney Care and seven DaVita Medical Group teammates volunteered with BOL on a mission to Mao, Dominican Republic in March and provided primary care services to 453 individuals.
In partnership with Timmy Global Health and with support from DaVita Rx, BOL's volunteer team coordinated patient medical consultations, supplied medications and vitamins and conducted examinations for locals from rural communities.
"I learned so much about the Dominican Republic, public health and myself on this trip," said Sarah Abdelhadi, Pharm Tech. "I met some fantastic, inspirational people and had experiences I'd never dreamed of having. I learned that a group of dedicated individuals can make a huge impact. Thank you so much for this opportunity, it honestly changed my life for the better!"
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Screening to Save Lives in India
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Six DaVita India teammates traveled with BOL to India in April and screened 653 individuals for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In partnership with HBS Trust, BOL's volunteer team visited the cities of Jodhpur and Phalodi to identify patients who were at risk for or in the early stages of CKD, to educate individuals about their kidneys and how to prevent kidney disease and to increase awareness about recognizing symptoms of kidney disease and ways to promote good kidney health.
Rajesha Mogaveera, Assistant Manager with People Services, DaVita India, said "It was a great honor to be part of such a mission...Education and serving our society gives me great satisfaction."
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Upcoming Missions, Screenings & Kids' Camps
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Medical Missions
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CKD Screenings
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Dialysis Capacity
Philippines
May 24 - June 21 (dates are tentative)
Primary Care
Primary Care
Dominican Republic
August 6 - 14
AV Fistula Surgical
Jamaica
September 10 - 17
AV Fistula Surgical
Guatemala
November 7 - 11
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Health & Safety Exposition
Pasco, WA
May 10 - 11
Jesus Name Apostolic Church
Waukegan, IL
May 29
Health Fair Expo
Mansfield, TX
June 4
Joint CKD Screening/Primary Care Mission
Haiti
June 4 - 12
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Kids' Camps Sessions
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Victory Junction (North Carolina)
Sickle Cell/Bleeding Session June 11 - 16 Diabetes Session June 18 - 23 Heart/Lung/Kidney Session July 16- 21 |
The Painted Turtle (California)
Kidney Disease & Transplant Session June 18 - 24 Rheumatic Diseases Session June 17 - July 3 Special Diagnoses Session July 6 - 11 |
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Flying Horse Farms (Ohio)
Heart Session June 17 - 23 Siblings Session August 6 - 12 |
Roundup River Ranch (Colorado)
Kidney Session July 16 - 22 Kidney Family Session September 9 - 11 |
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DaVita Teammates: Don't Forget to Recycle!
Your used cell phones and ink jet cartridges provide dialysis treatments and medical services throughout the world!
You can donate them through Village Green's programs with
Cellular Recycler and
Office Depot, and your old items will help provide lifesaving care and treatment through BOL! Teammates volunteering with BOL can also contribute these donations toward their fundraising goals. Contact
[email protected] for more info.
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BOL is a nonprofit organization founded by DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc. and operating under DaVita Village Trust, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. BOL improves access to primary care and dialysis treatment in underserved communities around the world while also focusing on prevention of kidney disease through early-detection testing and education. BOL serves thousands of men, women and children through four programs: kidney care, primary care, prevention and education, and kids' camps. For more information, please
click here
.
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Bridge of Life | 888-374-8185 | BridgeOfLifeInternational.org
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