I just visited the website for UPR and noticed that you want to hear from the volunteers. I was in Pass Christian, MS from August 4th to the 14th working in the Free Clinic, which I understand shut down shortly after I left. It was a wonderful adventure and meaningful experience and well worth the trip down. I was initially frustrated by my lack of planning which did not allow me to go through channels to get prescriptive authority through the Board of Registration in Nursing in MS. However, I found that working with a PA worked out fine as my experience and recommendations were appreciated. We saw a lot of patients with hypertension, diabetes, mood disorders, stress related disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, cellulitis, lacerations, ear infections, etc. We made many referrals to other specialty clinics and soscial services that provided low and no cost services and medications. I understand that there were some problems with the PA's licesure which surfaced after I left that were very unfortunate. I had no idea there were license issues while I was down there. I did see some policy issues that I tried to improve while I was there, but my tenure was so short as I had to return to my "real job."

I did go to WalMart in Gulfport while I was there and purchased around $125 in OTC topicals, cold medicines, eye and ear drops as we were running low. We also went to a NOLA clinic to pick up medications that they were able to spare for the Pass Christian clinic.

Overall, the clinic was very well received by the community and was utilized many times daily by both local citizens and volunteers. It was a surprise to see just how supportive and appreciative the people of Pass Christian were to have us show up to help meet their healthcare needs.

I would love to volunteer for United Peace Relief again! I found the work that I did very worthwhile, loved the clients we served in the clinic and did not at all mind living in a "tent city" - air conditioning very much appreciated. THe Americorp workers and other volunteers were great, and my working environment was very adequate to serve our purposes. THanks for setting up a great clinic and a great experience. It is a priiviledge to be useful in such situations - which sure beats the alternative of feeling helpless.

Take Care,

Kate Baldor