Aid to Cape Verde
My name is Cristina Spencer Pontes and I work at Bowdoin Street as a Community Resource Specialist. Two years ago, when I visited the Island of Maio in Cape Verde, I had the opportunity to take a tour of their health center. I noticed various things that made me very sad. When patients are admitted, they have to bring their own bed linens, toilet paper, towels and needles. Gloves are washed after each use so that they can be reused. The Island has a population of 7000 and the health center is staffed with two doctors and 4 nurses.
After seeing all this, I thought to myself, there must be something that can be done to change this situation. With the help of Dr. Alphonso Brown and a generous donation made possible by IMEC Organization (an organization that provides equipment for health care, agriculture and education around the world), I had the opportunity to bring some medical supplies to the Island this past November. The doctors and the nurses were so happy that they couldn't contain their emotion. And, I was so happy to help that there are no words for me to express what I felt. My goal is to continue with this project and make sure that the people of Maio receive better health care. I can say, without a doubt, "a little help becomes a lot, when it is given from the heart!"