04/19/2020
We hope you are all staying healthy and finding a few moments of joy during these unprecedented times. Our group wanted to reach out to the community and everyone who has supported us to provide an update regarding the KU Medical Outreach Group. Our M1s and M2s were planning a trip to Tecpan, Guatemala in May. As you can imagine, this trip has been cancelled due to travel restrictions and social distancing orders as a result of COVID-19. Additionally, the M3’s trip to Peru in July has also been canceled. Although we are deeply saddened by this news, we know that there are many ways to serve patients in need and we recognize the seriousness of COVID-19 and appreciate KU’s responsibility in maintaining our safety.
We are beyond appreciative of the support you have given us and commit to using those funds in accordance with our mission. The donations we have received during the 2019-2020 school year will be used for trips next year that will be similar to the trips planned for 2020. If the M4s are able to travel during fourth year, a small portion of donations will also go towards those trips to underserved areas, as originally planned. Additionally, we have made a donation to CASP, the organization we intended to work with in Lima, Peru. As you can imagine, the global pandemic has not spared countries already struggling with everyday healthcare crisis and inability to access treatment. We sent $500 to CASP in hopes to help provide some relief during this difficult time. A link to their website is listed below if you are interested in further supporting them.
We would also like to update you on some of the things we have been doing locally in the community. Our organization connected with Journey House and we have met with individuals to discuss their personal health concerns and prior healthcare experiences. We are working to provide them with resources in the community and to establish a direct link to primary care access by assisting them through any obstacles they may have. We have committed to partnering with them for the foreseeable future. This connection provided us with the opportunity to financially help an individual pursue her dreams of entering the healthcare field.
We also had the opportunity to work with Meals on Wheels and the Senior Center to package and deliver meals to members of the Salina community who do not have the ability to leave their homes and get groceries on a regular basis, let alone during the pandemic. As of now, we do not intend to have a dinner auction this year but remain hopeful that the 2021 trips will be able to happen. Most of the funds raised this year will be kept in our SMO student account and contribute towards those future endeavors.
Lastly, we want to thank all healthcare workers. We are so thankful for the sacrifices you are making to keep our community healthy and are honored to have you as mentors and educators. Now more than ever, we cannot wait to enter the healthcare field and continue our mission to serve people.
Sincerely,
KU SOM Salina Medical Outreach
