What, Why, and How?

Hello all,

I know that many of you may have some questions about what Global Brigades is and what it does and why I’m going. This post is intended to inform you about the Why, What, and How of my trip to Ghana.

Now some may ask: “So why Ghana?” Imagine this: There is typically 1 doctor to every 48,000 people, and around the rural villages many have to walk up to 20 miles to receive the medical treatment they so desperately need. In fact 36% of the community we will be serving is in need of malaria treatment.

What exactly does a Global Brigade do? Well, Global Brigades is a student run organization that provides an opportunity for college students to volunteer in 9 skill-based programs throughout the world. From dental, medical, and water brigades, to architecture, business, and environmental brigades students can volunteer in their area of interest. Global Brigades addresses the need for basic services and healthcare to people in rural areas of Honduras, Panama, and Ghana. On the trip I’ll be taking I’ll be participating in a medical brigade to Ghana which will include some dental work.

What will be the impact of the medical brigade to Ghana? The two primary beneficial outcomes of this brigade will be:

1.      Providing access to Medical Care

The work we will do will greatly reduce the need for to walk hours or sometimes days away for common medical check-ups and emergency visits. 

2.      Long-term Health

Health education is a big part to the brigade, by teaching proper sanitation and hygiene will greatly benefit the future health and economic potential of Ghana.

A medical brigade provides communities with access to doctors and medicine every 3-4 months. Through multiple 10 day brigades, community members receive doctor care, medicine, and health education workshops. In order to maintain a long-term sustainable program Global Brigades has established Community Health Workers, who are local community members who choose which community to serve the based on need and access to medical care, as well as following-up with the communities after the brigade is finished. Here’s where I come in.

By joining with Global Brigades and participating on this medical brigade to Ghana I am contributing to sustainable change by primarily providing a community with access to healthcare. From an education perspective I will gain precious application skills by:

• ·        Assessment and treating patients

• ·        Shadowing licensed medical professionals

• ·        Leading preventative health workshops

• ·        Participating in a clinical pharmacy

I am so excited to be able to make a difference in the world by empowering a community that very much needs the services we will be providing. As I go I hope to make a lasting impact in the lives of the people of Ghana as I not only meet their physical needs but share the good news of Jesus Christ and the power of God as our sustainer and healer. 

I ask you to please partner with me as I prepare to embark on this amazing journey to meet the needs of the communities in Ghana Africa. I need to harvest $2,500, but more importantly I need your prayers as I prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Thanks again for all your continued support, if you want to give you can make a tax-deductible donation at http://www.empowered.org/Jonathan-Lesher Thanks again! 

*The date for the trip is August 16-25, 2013