We registered 2,611 patients. The clinical staff took blood pressure readings on all adults. Parasite medications were give to all patients in need, if eligible (not pregnant.) Vitamins were given until we ran out. Vitamins with added iron were saved for pregnant women. Many blood glucose tests and urinalyses were done. Many patients initially were not registered by staff but seen by the triage nurses (e.g.families with many children.)

Dental cases were all extractions. Adults were sedated with Valium; children were sedated with chloral hydrate. This medication worked very well. Two professors and their top students assisted Dr. Steven Aacker each day until 2:30 p.m. The professors had not used chloral hydrate previously and were very impressed. We would like to get more of this medication to them. Each day 30-40 patients were seen, but most had multiple extractions.

Two registered nurses assisted the dentists and a non-clinical person cleaned and sterilized the instruments throughout the day. Many patients received antibiotics and pain medications upon discharge. Two patients were referred to the dental college for care. Their charts were pulled and Wilder will make arrangements for their care, which will be paid for by Dr. Steve Aacker.

A licensed nurse and psychologist saw many patients privately, who suffered anger, depression and hopelessness. She reported that most of them were able to make eye contact and smile at the end of their sessions. One of the translators holds a support group for woman on Friday afternoons at the clinic. Many women were referred to this group. We also gave the translator educational information hoping that a part of the session held could be for education. This information included self-breast exam, personal hygiene, etc. All material was in Spanish.

It was spring in Chimbote and the allergies had begun. This included scratchy throats, watery eyes, sneezing. Medications were give to the most severe. Many complaints of gastritis. Education on diet and meds was given. Many patients with hypertension , pre-hypertension and diabetes. The pre-hypertension patients were educated on diet and exercise. Especially important were decreasing salt and increasing water. Hypertensive patients had blood pressure checked several times and sent on to the doctors. Diabetics were sent to the doctors. Many bladder infections were treated by nurses  URI were treated by nurses and severe case were sent on to doctors.

The doctors also provided injections to many with inflamed joints. These people should have relief for some time. Worst cases were probably several cases of untreated breast cancer (actually draining wounds) a vaginal hematoma that was excised, horrible foot ulcers cleaned and redressed. Additional dressings were given along with education on care for the ulcers.  Several varicose vein patients were fitted for TED hose. Severe pneumonia patients were given antibiotic injections and several other possible breast cancer patients were referred to the clinic.

Several cases of mumps and chicken pox. Education was important for these patients' families. There were several charts held for Dr. Steve Bagen and groups for eye exams and surgeries in November. Other charts will be for follow-up on diabetes, high blood pressure and severe infections. Other cases were referred to the support group.

Most mission groups do not have the luxury of knowing that the patients will have after care as they do in Chimbote. This is a luxury. Most medications not used were left for the clinic, hospice or quintas. Medical supplies were also distributed to the above.

Fairview Foundation Medical Mission donated money for medicines. There were several other groups with VIMM from Colorado and Missouri. All supplies were donated by Fairview, Global Health Ministries, private donors and Handy Medical Supply.

On Sunday, teams of doctors and nurses made home visits to the quintas and hospice. Patients were treated for bedsores and other medical problems. Visits were made to other homes where acute care was needed as referred to the medical team. Another young man was seen several times with a fractured femur. After many conversations with him and a visit by a physician, the young man decided that he did not want western medicine. Several days later another physician convinced the young man to accept care and he was taken by ambulance to Lima. This young man actually had a tumor.

Because Sunday was census day, we were unable to hold clinic. This is when the home care/hospice patients were seen. After Mass, the priest also took the medical group and a group from the Lutheran Church of Atonement, North Dakota, on a walking tour of his diocese. We visited the hospice, quintas and home for the recovering young men (drugs and alcohol.) We also saw another church he maintains. After lunch we took van tours of Chimbote, the cemetery for the poor where the priest and sisters will be buried, the ocean side and pelicans. Some people saw the farm and carpentry shop that the priest and sisters parishes started.

In the evening, Father Jack presided over a forum of people to discuss the poverty in this area. He asked for advice on where and how to begin to give these people hope and teach them independence. In the evening, we had a celebration Mass with all the visitors from North Dakota, our medical group and a full church. Each team member was given gifts and a crucifix made by a young man in the recovery program. Pictures, great music, lost of kisses- everyone should have had the opportunity to pray as we did! A huge party with dancing and singing and popcorn and punch followed the Mass. Well over 100 people in attendance to celebrate all of the good will, medical care given and thanks be to God for all that we all have.