Mission Completed…

Building on our success in 2019, we returned to Vietnam after the pandemic-induced hiatus from international travel. Our host partners warmly welcomed us after the two-year break, and everyone was eager to resume our work in helping disadvantaged populations who face daily challenges. Navigating the pandemic protocols established over the last several years presented challenges, but the need remains significant, and the support from our partners allowed us to return and pick up where we left off in 2019.

Our itinerary mirrored that of 2019, fostering the development of relationships and continuity of care we’ve come to enjoy in Vietnam.

Here’s a recap of our accomplishments, along with some metrics demonstrating the lasting impact on the people and lives we touched during our time in Vietnam:

• Evaluated and treated 400 disabled and disadvantaged patients in Hue over three days of clinics at the regional hospital outside Phu Vang.
• Evaluated and treated 100 disabled individuals and victims of Agent Orange at the Outreach Center near Da Nang (DAVA).
• Contributed $2500 USD toward equipment purchases to expand the rehabilitation room at the hospital in Phu Vang. Witnessing the continued success of this program and its swift impact on the hospital’s ability to support people with disabilities has been rewarding.
• Left behind a follow-up fund of $5000 USD to treat, diagnose, and support patients identified during our clinic in Hue. Administered by Ms. Houng in partnership with HUEFO, our partner in the Hue area, these funds will address various follow-up needs, from hearing aids to prosthetic refitting.
• Contributed to the English language medical libraries at both Hue University and the Da Nang School of Medical Technology and Pharmacy. This year, we brought over 80 additional medical texts, aiding in the growth of these libraries and enhancing the skills of the students who work with us each year.
• Welcomed three Speech Pathologist team members from the US for the first time, supporting the emerging field in Vietnam. They participated in a roundtable discussion, provided presentations, conducted screenings, mentored parents and staff, and worked directly with students facing speech and language challenges.
• Mentored and partnered with 60 medical students from the universities in Hue and Da Nang, providing English language experience in a clinical setting with US-based physicians, dentists, and nursing staff. Interactions ranged from one-on-one to group opportunities, educating and mentoring students in various stages of their studies.
• Partnered and developed relationships with medical and dental professionals in both Hue and Da Nang to further educational and professional exchange. Returning to the same clinic locations solidifies our legacy and enhances the efficiency and impact of our time spent working.
• Modeled compassion and outreach to two of the most challenged populations in Vietnam. Seeing familiar faces of patients from our past efforts goes a long way in developing the continuity of care vital to building trust and understanding that is not possible in a single visit.

This list encapsulates the quantifiable accomplishments we achieved during our time in Vietnam. Each team member has unique stories about their experiences and the lasting impact on their lives, as well as the lives of the patients, staff, and students they worked with.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our partners: The Hue Union of Friendship Organization (HUEFO), The Da Nang Victims of Agent Orange (DAVA), The Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, The Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, The regional hospital and health center in Phu Vang, The Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF), and, of course, our primary contact and partner, Le Huong. Her annual support is the reason our success is so impactful and our debt to her is immeasurable.

Once again, many thanks to the team for contributing to the success of this mission effort in Vietnam and for establishing new relationships with members and Vietnamese partners, as well as to our returning heroes from missions past.

Steve Mason, Vietnam mission team leader
360-607-8400
masonimage@mac.com

Ed Atwell, M.D., Vietnam mission co-team leader
atwelle@gmail.com
770-655-5268
MOA President, Founder  

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