Beebe doctor aids Nicaraguan medical mission

Rich Matthews, manager of pathology at Beebe Healthcare, traveled to Nicaragua with Global Health Outreach and Christian Medical and Dental Associations.

As a cytologist, Matthews was part of a women's health outreach team, providing Pap tests to women at House of Hope, a women's center in Managua. Physicians would do the test, and Matthews would read the slide under a microscope to determine if there was cancer or any infection.

"Many of the women at House of Hope live on the streets, so they have no access to healthcare," Matthews said. "The area is prone to human trafficking, so House of Hope serves as a safe haven for these women to stay safe on the streets and have access to some care that they otherwise would not receive."

Global Health Outreach does two trips a year to House of Hope. Matthews will return in January 2017.

"We had to take everything with us, including a microscope, because they have nothing there," Matthews said.

Beebe Healthcare donated about $150 in supplies for the medical mission. Matthews said he hopes team members and members of the community will get involved and support the work of Global Health Outreach or other charitable organizations as well.

"There is such a need for healthcare in Nicaragua and in other places. If we can make even a small difference in these communities, it is worth it," Matthews said. "Human trafficking is a real problem, even in the United States. People fall into hard times and they end up getting enslaved. They can't get away from it. Places like House of Hope do the best they can with very little means."

During each trip, the first several days are focused on providing medical and dental care to the women at House of Hope. The second few days then opens the clinic to the community so men and children can also come and receive medical and dental care.

"Global Health Outreach is able to send a broad range of medical personnel, including opticians, dentists, doctors and pathologists – it's like setting up a mini hospital," Matthews said. "It's amazing what a dedicated group of professionals can accomplish in a week."

For more information, go to www.cmda.org/missions/detail/global-health-outreach.