Rachel Easter, MD: Carilion Clinic, Psychiatry PGY1

Honduras: February 2024

 During the week of February 3-10, 2024, I participated in a medical brigade serving 8 communities centered around an outpatient clinic in Los Pinares, Intibuca region, Honduras. Most of my time was spent in the communities, at the local schools, doing well-child check-ups, assisting with fluoride treatments, and consulting with families who presented to the schools. We began our time meeting with the community leaders to address issues and concerns that could be addressed during our week. Our work in the communities started on Monday, and we would go to 1-2 communities each day. Common complaints in this region are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dysentery, respiratory infections, allergies, insect bites, eczema, dental caries and very poor dentition, arthritis pain, and malnutrition. Ailments were treated using medications from our pharmacy, patient education, and sometimes referrals to the government hospital for additional workup.

 I spent time each day teaching groups of women and girls (and some boys) about menstrual health, hygiene, and puberty. At each talk women were provided with menstrual hygiene kits, complete with washcloth, soap, underwear, and a reusable fabric menstrual pad. The educational classes, which started in February 2023, are part of a longitudinal research project which is currently ongoing. Additionally, we are working closely with the local government health clinic in San Marco de la Sierra to help address ongoing issues with STIs, genitourinary infections related to poor hygiene practices, and high teen pregnancy rate in the area.