First Health Fair in Dominica

Today was the first health fair ever held in Dominica. Patients had been recruited to come to the clinic by posters that had been hung in various loations such as churches and across various clinics. We counted approximately 60-70 patients who came through and listened to our expert topics. It was refreshing to see how much information patient's knew about various disease states that either them, a relative or friend may have had.

Overall the fair went extremely well for being the first in this country. At around 12 refreshments and snacks were provided at the fair by Jungle Bay.

Patients were extremely interested in learning and taking various handouts from us at our individual stations. It was nice to haev people be interested in our presentations. They were also greatly appreciative of the donations that we brought down and provided to them.

In addition to presenting our expert topics to patients there were other services available such as HIV rapid testing, immunizations and massages.

We came up with a few ideas that may be beneficial to future clinics such as: bags or folders for patients to take things home with them. Possibly more space for the students to spread out so that we can spend more time with more peopleand laminated signs for specific disease states for patients to know where to go. Have students with similar topics have booths next to each other for the ease of the patients.

Pharmacy in Dominica

Today we went to Roseau where we experienced the market and also the pharmacy "Jolly." At the market we all picked up different items. Bridget and I bought many products used for cooking such as bay leaves, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks. After the market we also went to Trafalgar Falls and experienced the hot and cold water falls. We were able to swim in various areas of the falls that included hot and cold temperatures. The water was very clear and clean. I(Nicole) swam in the water for the first time and feel as though I have gotten over my water phobia for the time being!

At the pharmacy we were able to see just how different shelves were arranged compared to our over the counter medications in the US. There were many cream products such as betamethasone and retin-a that are sold over the counter in Dominica but only available as prescription in the US. They also sold tylenol with codeine over the counter. It was interesting to see how different restrictions are on certain medications.