C.U.R.E. Clinic Akyem, Ghana
About the Trip
In collaboration with Newmont Mining Corporation, Project C.U.R.E. seeks to make a positive impact on healthcare availability in the local Ghanaian communities where these companies work. While working in the communities of Ahafo or Akyem, you will have the opportunity to work with and treat patients of every age and from nearly every walk of life. Programs in Ghana evolve each year to support and strengthen local healthcare systems. Here is how they have progressed:
- 2015: Provide primary care clinics to assess need.
- 2016: Provide primary care clinics alongside local healthcare workers, mentor local nursing students through each C.U.R.E. Clinic Station and make referrals to local health care facilities for continuity of care.
- 2017: Provide Health Fair Clinics to patients with health screenings and educations; provide vitamins and de-worming for all patients; refer patients to local health care facilities with their diagnosis from basic screenings and labs.
- 2018: Provide Health Fair Clinics to provide patients with health screenings and education; provide vitamins and de-worming for all patients; refer patients to local health care facilities with their diagnosis from basic screenings and labs - The 2017 Health Fair Clinics were a big success!
Make new friends, learn more about local cultures and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, all while influencing and improving the local healthcare systems and giving back by supporting corporate social responsibility efforts! The Team Leader for this trip is Allison Maytag, MPH. This trip is not one to be missed!
About the Health Fair Clinic
The Health Fair Clinic will include: intake, vitals, testing (glucose, rapid urinary, pregnancy malaria), vitamins and de-worming, patient educations (malaria prevention and treatment, hypertension education and treatment, stretching and pain management), wound care, reading glasses and a limited pharmacy.
We are looking for 18-24 volunteers to help run our health fairs! Doctors, nurses, PA's, NP's, physical therapists, EMT's, medical students and non-medical volunteers are encouraged to apply! We are able to use a variety of skill sets to run this health fair clinic. We aim to see more than 500 patients a day with this model!
About the Program Cost
Your tax-deductible donation to participate in a Project C.U.R.E. Clinics Trip to Ghana is $800. This cost covers all accommodations, meals, clean water, and transportation, including internal airfare, buses/cars/taxies, fuel costs, drivers, tips, and boats/ferries (when applicable) once in-country. Program costs also include the coverage of translators, medications, C.U.R.E. Kits, Kits for Kids, travel and evacuation insurance, Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the State Department, medical license transfer procedures, departure travel packet with Project C.U.R.E. scrub set, and all associated shipping costs. Additionally, tour guides and small touristic excursions/activities are included. Please note alcohol, internet access, laundry and personal souvenirs are not covered in the program cost.
You will have the opportunity to arrange your own international airfare to and from Ghana. You will be responsible for all costs associated with visas and immunizations. Your team leader will meet you in the baggage claim area of the Accra (Kotoka) International Airport (ACC), and from there you will travel together to your accommodations. Flight itineraries will be updated closer to the trip departure.
Sample Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Accra and meet the rest of the team at the baggage claim before heading to the in-country housing. Chat and get to know the rest of your colleagues over dinner in the city before turning in for a good night’s sleep after a long day of travel.
Day 2: Wakeup early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be traveling to the Ahafo or Akyem. When you arrive at your lodging you will work with the team to create a game plan so that the next few days of clinics runs smoothly. This means sorting out medications and volunteering for roles for each member of the team to work the next day.
Day 3: The first day of work begins! Be prepared to run general medical clinics and health workshops, where people from across the region will travel to receive your medical support. Participate actively in teaching, testing, and engaging with locals. Clinic participants range from tribal elders to the youngest of children. As you bring hope and health, you will learn much about their own local way of life. Recuperate and relax in the evening with the team while sharing stories of your first day on the job.
Day 4: Day two of clinics! You will travel to a different site and run general medical clinics and health workshops. Day two will run smoother after meeting and making adjustments with the team after the first day of clinics.
Day 5: Another day, another exciting clinic! This time, you will travel to another area of the Ahafo region to provide healthcare and assistance to a different group of local communities. Don’t forget your cheery disposition and smile, as you experience more of the lush and vibrant geography and culture. You may even be received as guests of honor by the village leaders and get to participate in traditional ceremonies!
Day 6: Return to work for one final day of clinic. Continue to engage with and explore local traditions and the hidden gems in the community. During the last day of the clinic, you will meet even more individuals with their own stories to share. That evening, celebrate your success in the field and enjoy a restful last night of sleep in the Ghanaian countryside.
Day 7: Travel back down to Accra, the thriving capital of Ghana! After you arrive and settle into your hotel, you will head to the local crafts market. Here you will find local masks, beautiful dresses, jewelry and be able to put your bargaining skills to the test.
Day 8: An early start, you will head to Jamestown, Accra the oldest section of Accra to learn about the history, religion, and local people of Ghana. Your tour guides will walk you through Jamestown, show you traditional markets, introduce you to Ghanaian families, and teach you about their rich culture. If you haven't already, here you will fall in love with Ghana! After the tour, you will head to lunch and grab a bite before heading back to the hotel to prepare for your evening flights out of Accra and back to the U.S.!
Past Trips
Since the first Project C.U.R.E Clinics trip to Ghana in October 2006, volunteers have returned to continue assisting the local Ghanaian communities on many C.U.R.E. Clinics occasions.
See photos from previous trips by clicking on a trip below!