Update From Haiti
St. Joseph Clinic Receives Essential Medication Shipment
After an eight-month process, St. Joseph Clinic received a critical shipment of medications and supplies. In partnership with the IDA Foundation and Partners in Health, over 100 boxes of vital medicines and equipment have arrived at the clinic that were purchased by Medical Missionaries.
These essential resources, unavailable for purchase in-country, will significantly enhance the clinic’s ability to provide quality care. Our US team is now working with St. Joseph Clinic staff to establish effective protocols for the proper use and management of the new medications.
This shipment marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support the St. Joseph Clinic and improve healthcare outcomes in the community. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to make a meaningful difference.
Remembering a Key Partner in Haiti
We are saddened to report the passing of the MSPP (Ministry of Public Health in Haiti) Director Deny in Hinche, Haiti, due to complications from kidney disease and other health issues. His loss is deeply felt by the staff at St. Joseph Clinic, as he was a regular visitor to the clinic and served as our primary point of contact.
His passing highlights the stark reality of limited access to advanced healthcare in Haiti, a challenge that St. Joseph Clinic and partners are working tirelessly to address. We honor his memory by continuing our efforts to improve healthcare outcomes in the community.
Join Us at The Ninth Annual Happy Hour!
The Prince William Senior Resource Group has selected Medical Missionaries as the recipient for their annual fundraising event! The event will take place on September 11th, 4:30 – 6:30pm at English Meadows, Manassas.
Dr. Irwin is Knight of the Year!
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Gil Irwin, President of Medical Missionaries, has been named “Knight of the Year” by the George Brent Council #5332 in Manassas, VA! This honor, presented on July 1st, recognizes Dr. Irwin’s exceptional service to the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Church for the 2023-2024 year.
Dr. Irwin dedicates himself daily to supporting those in need around the world. We are deeply grateful to the George Brent Council for formally acknowledging his remarkable contributions
Hold the Date!
Windy Knoll Farm: Autumn Celebration on October 19th. More news coming soon
Supplies and Equipment In and Out
Ukraine: Ret. Col. Monte Dunard sent us these amazing pictures from Putivl, Eastern Ukraine, which is about 20 miles from the Russian border. Monte reports:
“Chief Doctor and the primary trauma surgeon said they are very happy and quite excited to receive the sonogram from Medical Missionaries. They so appreciate this contribution to their hospital.”
Thank you to all who donate to efforts like this one. Every donation helps someone!
Grundy, W. Virginia: The Medical Missionaries trailer with food and other necessities for the Rocklick Food Pantry met up with the pantry truck in Roanoke, Va on July 22nd. The supplies were then driven to Grundy, Va.
We welcome all donations of non-perishable food at the office. We also accept deliveries from Amazon, Walmart etc. Let us know if something is on the way! You can find a list of needed items at our website.
Please send email to info@medicalmissionaries.org if you are sending donations through an online service.
Western Pa.: Medical Missionaries takes great care when sending medical supplies to those in need around the globe. Items are packed as safely as possible while using minimum packaging. By reducing packing when shipping we are able to send more needed supplies while at the same time reducing the amount of plastic in these communities.
This week we are shining a spotlight on one of our partner projects. A talented group of women from St. Agnes Parish in Western Pa. crochets rugs out of recycled plastic bags. The rugs are not only useful but keep plastic out of the landfills! They recently donated 20 more rugs to us which will be distributed to projects in the US and overseas.
Our volunteer Wenda helped pack up some of the rugs which will be on their way to the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota this summer as part of our Manassas Rotary Club project.
Rugs can be purchased from Medical Missionaries for $30.
Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota
Each year, Dr. Irwin embarks on a road trip to support a Native American community somewhere in the U.S. This year, Medical Missionaries has teamed up with the Rotary Club of Manassas, who recently visited Pine Ridge to connect with the community and other local Rotary Clubs. They discovered that Pine Ridge, home to the Oglala Lakota Nation, is rich in vibrant culture, talented artists, and hopeful young people dedicated to improving their present and future across the Reservation.
The Rotary team engaged with members of AmeriCorps, B.E.A.R. (Be Excited About Reading), and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Partnership for Housing. These organizations are working to promote literacy, foster self-sufficiency, boost school participation, and provide essential resources such as food, shelter, and job training.
Medical Missionaries is proud to support these efforts. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many donors who have contributed. The items we’ve collected include tents, hygiene products, sports equipment, educational supplies, backpacks, gym bags, and new sheets and towel sets.
Community News
Medical Missionaries receives UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Grant!
Medical Missionaries is honored to receive a grant from UVA Health Prince William Medical Center! We are thrilled to be one of 22 distinguished local organizations recognized for our community work this year. We will be presented the grant on September 17, 2024, at the UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center, by UVA Community Health’s CEO, Erik Shannon.
UVA recently shared the good news:
Our mission is transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians and beyond. That includes supporting local non-profits in their goals to help the community at large. Congratulations to the local organizations who recently received grants!
Medical Missionaries is honored to stand among these worthy partners and the UVA Medical Center!
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm: This local winery located in Gainesville, Va has a breathtaking view of Lake Manassas and is woman owned and family operated. They have been very supportive of Medical Missionaries over the years and are now hosting an exhibit of Dr. Irwin’s paintings till the end of August! Stop by to admire the views, the paintings and enjoy the great vibes!
Warehouse: In a recent newsletter Medical Missionaries mentioned how the organization is looking for inexpensive or donated warehouse space. Below, pictures show Dr. Irwin and Carolyn working in the existing “warehouse” — which is actually several containers located in a trucking company parking lot.
Please reach out to our office (703-335-1800) if you can help us with this endeavor.
Local Donations: Our doors are open to collect or distribute in-person donations Monday thru Saturday, 8am to noon. After hours donations can be left or picked up in the white truck in front of the office. Every donation goes to someone in need.
Please consult our summer ’24 list of items we can accept. Any questions, call the office at 703-335-1800. It is helpful if we know you are coming!
This year we are tracking the number of donors and clients. In July, we had 121 donors and 52 clients that we supported.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Winston Churchill
Do small things with great love.
Mother Teresa.
