The Gift of Health for the Holidays in Guatemala

The final HFUSA Gift of Health mission of 2023 gave 1,183 patients in Guatemala screenings, treatment, and peace of mind this holiday season.

Sixteen students led by the University of Michigan Humanity First Student Organization traveled to Guatemala with Dr. Lughmani of HFUSA. Together with local physicians, pediatricians, and dentists, they led a rotating clinic to three cities to serve patients in need.

A mother with her baby speaks with two students doing a medical intake form

A patient lies on a table for a dental exam done by a physician and attendant holding instruments

The clinics provided patients with screenings, consultations, dental care, free medications, and free hygiene kits. The team added blood glucose checks given the growing concern for diabetes in the country. The local mayor and city officials came to say thank you and distribute certificates in appreciation of the help for their communities.

Mother sits with a baby on her lap and the baby outstretches his hand to hold the hand of doctor

An elderly woman in traditional Guatemalan clothing gets her blood pressure taken by a female in blue Humanity First scrubs

The team also spent a day at HFUSA’s Nasir Hospital to learn more about healthcare in Guatemala and practice incision sutures under the guidance of Dr Carlos Tercero, a surgeon at Nasir Hospital. 👉

A group sits at a table with suture kits in front of them listening to a doctor

A photo of a group of people most of who are wearing matching matching blue scrubs and all are holding certificates

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Keeping people fed and preparing for disaster

Volunteer Spotlight

Haadullah Choudhry of Virginia has volunteered with the HFUSA Food Security effort in Manassas since 2020. This fall, he decided to invest even more to be ready to help his community and others - he joined the rigorous disaster response training held in Toronto.

How did you get started to volunteer with HFUSA and our Food Security outreach in Virginia?

Growing up as an Ahmadi Muslim, I have been privileged to engage in service with Humanity First USA from a young age. In 2020, during the challenging times of the global COVID-19 pandemic,

Humanity First launched the food pantry initiative in Virginia, and I was fortunate enough to contribute and gain a deeper understanding of the pressing needs. One of my key responsibilities has been to help manage food pantry volunteers and our relationship with beneficiaries.

Three people put supplies into a minivan and in the foreground are blue humanity first bags packed with food staples

Which memory of your experience volunteering with Humanity First USA has made a strong impression?

One of my most profound experiences with Humanity First was during the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Our mission was clear: collect clothing and other essential items urgently requested by the Turkish Embassy to distribute abroad.

The outpouring of generosity from individuals who wanted to help was astonishing, and it happened in a very short amount of time.

A simple request for help, made at 9 PM on a Friday evening, mobilized over 20 volunteers who sorted and organized all the donations through the night, ensuring that they were delivered to the embassy by morning.

The generosity of those who donated and the dedication of the volunteers who answered our call at a moment's notice illustrated the best of Humanity First, and it's a memory I'll always cherish.

Many clear bags of clothing and supplies line an outdoor hallway

Two people pass a clear plastic bag of clothes between them in an assembly line to unload from a truck

What was most impactful or important for your new learning at the DR medical training?

Thanks to the support of local Virginia Humanity First leads, Mrs. Shehla and Mr. Naeem, I was fortunate enough to participate in this training. It was held in the Toronto area jointly under HFUSA and HF Canada.

One of the most impactful aspects was the opportunity to hear stories and understand the crucial roles that volunteers play. If you're not in the medical field, you might feel uncertain about how to contribute. I too grappled with this question, coming from the IT industry. What many may not realize is that for every doctor or medical staff member, several volunteers are essential to manage various aspects, from logistics to operations.

A group of people surround a patient who is lying on the ground in a simulated training exercise

Haadullah is in bright blue in the photo above during training for patient injury.

Whether in a disaster zone or not, it's crucial for everyone to grasp a fundamental principle when aiding others: while adrenaline and emotions may run high, it's important not to rush to conclusions. During our training, we encountered scenarios with injuries that ranged from potentially life-altering conditions to minor scratches. It's imperative to keep your emotions in check, introduce yourself and ask the person in need, "What's your name? What hurts?" Never make assumptions, as your eyes and mind can be deceiving.

Thank you, Haadullah!

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