Trinity CaMSA reaches out to health care institutions in SVG

The arms of Trinity’s Canadian Medical Students Association (CaMSA) were recently stretched out further to embrace a number of health facilities in St Vincent and the Grenadines. On Tuesday, April 26, at the campus of the school, members of CaMSA handed over a quantity of items to institutions involved in health care.{{more}}

Benefiting from the group’s generosity were the Lewis Punnett Home, the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, and the St Benedict Children’s Home. The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and a number of health clinics received a quantity of other items to assist in their delivery of health care.

Fourth term student Sonia Stasyszyn, current president of CaMSA, explained how her group acquired the items for donation. “At the end of every term, we get the students who are leaving to give back, to donate and we have now accumulated over nine barrels of clothing and other items,” she explained, “We are basically spreading out the clothing and linens donations among those three institutions.” She stated that they were currently organizing other donations. “We have more things coming from Canada, where we are working with dentists, doctors and business locals, friends and family to fill barrels to send here to give back,” she divulged. “We have one ready to be sent now with clothing and other items for the children in the Social Welfare Department of the hospital, and another one for Christmas with gifts.”

Receiving on behalf of the Lewis Punnett Home was Marie Davis, departmental manager. She thanked Trinity CaMSA on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment and her institution, acknowledging profound gratitude. “It’s a privilege,” she said, “I notice that Trinity’s motto is ‘Challenge, Inspire and Empower’ and we appreciate your contribution and are looking forward to our continued relationship.”

Likewise, Diana Bailey, senior nursing officer at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, in accepting the donation to her institution, offered words of gratitude. “On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment and the management and staff of the Mental Health Rehab Centre, I would like to express my gratitude. We are, indeed, happy to receive this donation and we look forward to our continued relationship,” she offered.

Deputy administrator of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Andrew Williams was on hand to receive the items destined for his institution, and accepted on behalf of the administrator, Grace Walters.

Dean of Trinity Dr Linda Adkinson commented on the students’ values as linked to that of Trinity’s. “We are lucky to have a large, committed group of students who underscore our mission of being, not only clinicians, but giving back to the community wherever they can. These students have given up their holiday to do this, while their friends have gone off for a couple of weeks. This truly demonstrates their passion for what they are doing.” She gave the assurance that Trinity will continually pursue similar programmes in the future because of such students.

In highlighting the school’s responsibility in the community, the dean proffered, “This is a responsibility that we have. It’s about community, it’s about wellbeing, as well as taking care of the people who are not well at the moment. I think these activities underscore a very strong programme in ethics and professional behaviour.”

Donations were immediately distributed to the named institutions. Trinity CaMSA continues its quest to reach persons within communities in St Vincent and the Grenadines with the advancement of health care.