Hello 2022💙

January 2022 Newsletter

Turning Scars to Stars

This year we are celebrating our 20-years of service in Sierra Leone. Each newsletter will include a look back at HealeyIRF history. This month -- our work in the community of Newton. Several shipments arrived in late December and are being distributed this month throughout our network of hospitals and clinics. What a good way to kick off the New Year! Also take a moment and learn about the good work that Loreto Health Services does in providing healthcare to epilepsy patients.

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2022 Distributions Underway

In late December, three shipments arrived in the port of Freetown. One from our renewed partnership with Catholic Medical Missions Board (CMMB), one from our long-term partner Mission Relief Services (MRS), and the final a HealeyIRF container with our USAID/Limited Excess Property Program items.

"Facilities are in great need of medicines and supplies at the beginning of the year, so these early distributions are most welcome by all the hospitals and clinics we support," noted HealeyIRF In-Country Program Manager Ishmeal Charles.

The need for antibiotics is great and there are over 2,700 bottles on the CMMB shipment. In addition, nearly 10,000 bottles of medication to treat growing incidences of cardiovascular disease were also on the shipment.

Wheelchairs and beds are on the MRS shipment as well as ten infusion pumps donated by InfuSystem in Kansas. These will be of great value to the hospitals in their treatment of patients.

Loreto Health Services Continues to Serve Epilepsy Patients

In 2021, despite the continuing challenge of the Covid pandemic and rising fuel prices, Loreto Health Services continued to provide quality epilepsy and treatment to thousands throughout Sierra Leone.

Loreto Health Services provides diagnosis and treatment at their clinic in Makeni and four outreach locations in rural areas. Theresa, a patient who comes to their Makeni Clinic, said, “Right now, I thank God that the epilepsy is no more on me. My entire family is happy that I am now fine.”

HealeyIRF supports Loreto Health Services with medicines, equipment, and supplies. We are happy to partner with the ROW Foundation that provides a supply of the epilepsy drug ROWEEPRA, which is used in Loreto's Epilepsy Program.

Celebrating 20-Years: A Look Back at HealeyIRF History

A lasting bond with the community of Newton

The decade long civil war had a devastating impact on the country of Sierra Leone. Due to the atrocities committed, many people had their arms or legs cut off by marauding gangs. After the war ended, this amputee community needed a great deal of help to get their lives back.

HealeyIRF supported such an effort - the St. Stephen's Home for Amputees. Located in the small village of Newton, funds were provided for vocational training to the war amputees.The project was a success and a bond was formed between HealeyIRF and the people of Newton.

In 2013, HealeyIRF Chairman and President Robert Healey visited Sierra Leone and sat down with members of the community to discuss additional needs. The answer - a health clinic. Mr. Healey's response - yes. HealeyIRF began raising money to build the Monsignor Daniel Sullivan Health Clinic. In 2015 the facility opened its doors for patients and the community was very appreciative. Stay tuned as more on its success will be featured in a later issue!

If you would like to support us in our work please consider becoming a Star-Maker. By making a monthly commitment you will help us better plan for our day-to-day programs and long-term development efforts, such as capacity training.

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