Health education as a component of the next medical mission Health Education as a Component of the Next Medical Mission . By Kathy Cook St. Mark s, Silvis There exists in the barrios of the Dominican Republic a definite need for basic health care education in the prevention of disease. As a nurse and diabetes patient educator this fact repeatedly starred me in the face.
Hand washing needs to be emphasized as a tool in the prevention of the spread of illness.
Since water is not available at the turn of a faucet this preventive measure is lacking and needs to be taught along with leaving a reminder to continue the practice after we leave. Using pure bottled water for eating and drinking is a must. Boiling water to be used for other purposes is necessary. One look at the river that is the source of water for these communities is all that it takes to be convinced. Each home connects to a little drainage ditch that flows to this river.