VCOM - Carolinas 2017 Yearbook

CAROLINAS OUTREACH

El Salvador inspired by those devoted to caring

D uring the 2016-2017 year, VCOM-Carolinas made two trips to El Salvador. In December 2016, a total of 27 students from the Carolinas and Virginia campuses provided care for patients, and in April 2017, 20 students traveled from VCOM- Carolinas to El Salvador as part of the College’s international outreach experience. VCOM first began caring for patients in El Salvador following the 2001 earthquake that left over 100,000 homeless. With the poor

region of the country. VCOM has partnered with the Decameron Resort, a local hotel company, to improve healthcare in rural communities between San Salvador and the ocean. The program provides examinations, preventive care, and primary care interventions for children from two rural schools and their families. As a benefit to VCOM outreach programs, the Decameron Resort provides interpreters, housing, and other support for students and faculty on outreach trips.

housing conditions, sanitation and water contamination that followed, the country has struggled to recover. Over the years, VCOM faculty and students have focused on improving healthcare for the people of El Salvador, and have developed friendships and partnerships to support these efforts. The College provides care for many rural populations of El Salvador, including those in the mountainous communities of Chalatenango, a northern

139