Nurturing Health: PUC Students Transform Lives on Mana Island

Nineteen students from Pacific Union College (PUC) in California recently conducted a successful medical camp on Mana Island from March 22 to 30, where they provided healthcare services to the local community. During this period, the group attended to 311 patients, gaining invaluable experience in a culturally rich environment.

Sandra Ringer, an assistant professor of nursing at PUC, emphasized the significance of this experience for the students, stating, “This is an eye-opening experience as it allows the students to see how the local community lives.” She noted that understanding lifestyle differences is crucial, as it impacts health significantly; the students are encouraged not to impose Western ideals, but to foster healthy living conditions within the community.

A notable aspect of this initiative is the ongoing effort to improve health facilities in the area. One physician involved with the mission for the past three years raised $20,000 to establish a medical and dental clinic on the grounds of a local Seventh-day Adventist school in Mana. This project is a continuation of efforts to provide lasting healthcare solutions to underserved populations.

This initiative echoes similar successful medical camps that have taken place over the years, such as the work done by The Mission at Natuvu Creek in Fiji. There, teams of volunteers, including students from universities like Pepperdine, also engage with local communities, delivering essential health services and fostering deeper cultural understanding. Such camps highlight the tremendous impact that volunteer health initiatives can have on both the providers and recipients of care, emphasizing the importance of community and cultural exchange in healthcare.

The mission not only aims to provide immediate medical assistance but also aspires to improve the long-term health infrastructure in these communities. By engaging students and professionals in hands-on experiences, these programs cultivate a new generation of health professionals who understand the importance of global health perspectives and cultural sensitivity.