Valentine’s Day is
an annual occasion celebrated every 14th day of February. For Christians
it is a feast day honoring St. Valentine, but in modern times it evolved into a
special occasion where lovers expressed their love for each other through
giving of romantic gifts and showing affections to each other.
At Colegio de las
Hijas de Jesus, one of the most prestigious school here in Iloilo City, they
see Valentine’s Day as a time for sharing love to family and the less fortunate
members of the community. As they celebrated their annual Family Day, the
energetic and enthusiastic Parent Teacher’s Association of the said school
headed by their president Ms. Thelma Servidad organized a Medical-Dental
Mission and Blood Letting Activity. ORNAP Iloilo Chapter was very pleased to be
invited on the said activity. The mission offers free medical consultations for
adult and pedia patients, Cervical Cancer Screening, laboratory check-ups for
cholesterol and blood sugar level, electrocardiogram, eye check-up, blood
letting activity, and dental check-up which includes dental extraction and
distribution of free dental care products such as toothpaste and toothbrush to
patients. Free medicines were also given to all qualified beneficiaries of the
mission.
We have arrived
earlier on that morning witnessing how busy the preparation was. The ORNAP
Volunteers helped in the organizing and preparing of rooms, instruments, and
other equipments to be used for the mission. At around 8 o’clock in the
morning, patients from different walks of life started to come and patiently
waits to avail of the free services offered for that day. They were family
members of students from that school, teachers, school staff, and student from
their adopted school, the Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School.
The ORNAP
Volunteers headed to the Grade School area where we are tasked to assist in the
Dental consultation and tooth extraction. Instrument disinfection and
sterilization, and provision of some sterile supplies were our primary
responsibility. ORNAP volunteers also take turns in lending their helping hands
on assisting dentists. We served as OR lights, restraints to those
uncooperative patients and entertainer to anxious children. After every
procedure, ORNAP volunteers never failed to do health teachings. I think it’s
already in our system because we nurses do this in our daily job. We feel that
it is our responsibility to share the knowledge that we have for the welfare of
others. With great teamwork from other health practitioners, we can use our
talent and skills not only to make the difference in our lives, but most
importantly in the lives of others.
In collaboration
with the Parent Teachers Association of Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, the
Student Council, Philippine Red Cross, West Visayas State University Dental
Department, volunteer doctors, optometrist, medical technologists, and other
supportive members of the team, the activity’s goal of sharing love to others
was a success.
Article by: Joy Murcia
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