Northwestern Healthcare Workers Collaborate with Cary Nonprofit and Rotary Group for Impactful Medical Mission to Jamaica

Every year, a group of dedicated volunteers turns a church in Negril, Jamaica, into a bustling medical center. This year, they served over 500 patients, thanks to the help of health care workers from Northwestern Medicine.

The Joshua Mission, a nonprofit based in Cary, has been organizing these medical trips for six years. Founded by nurse practitioner Susan Bartsch and her husband Greg, the mission strives to provide essential medical, dental, and mental health services to those who lack access to proper care.

Access to healthcare in Jamaica is incredibly limited. Susan Bartsch highlighted that the nearest public hospital is nearly 20 miles away. For many locals, the Joshua Mission’s services are their only source of medical care. This year, about 30 volunteers, including nurses and dental hygienists, participated in the initiative. Some had no medical experience but were eager to help.

Judy Wett, a cardiology nurse from Northwestern Medicine, has participated twice in this mission. She was introduced to the program through a friend who is a dental hygienist. Inspired to make a difference, Judy now serves on the board of the Joshua Mission. "This mission allows me to give people the tools they need to lead healthier lives," she said.

The mission began after Susan’s husband made connections in Jamaica over the years. Her journey to help others started by assisting a family whose story quickly spread to those in need. One notable patient, a man named Joshua, inspired the mission’s name. His gratitude for life-saving care left a lasting impact on Susan.

Dr. Nathan Kakish, a primary care physician, described Jamaica’s healthcare system as lacking in supplies and staff. During his time there, he monitored patients’ blood pressure and glucose levels and taught them how to manage their conditions. He even used paper cups to create inhaler spacers for kids with asthma. Such creative solutions highlight the improvisational skills needed in challenging situations.

Dr. Kakish has volunteered at a local clinic for almost 20 years and believes healthcare is a right everyone should have. "Healthcare shouldn’t be something that causes financial strain," he emphasized.

The Joshua Mission also provides supplies to local clinics, which often face shortages. This year, they brought in medication, vitamins, and even an EKG machine. Kate Brania, a wound care nurse from Northwestern Medicine, noted that many local clinics are focused on managing symptoms instead of healing. She expressed her desire to return each year, finding fulfillment in the work they do.

In addition to medical work, the Rotary Club of Fox Valley Sunset joined the mission to help renovate a local clinic. They have supported various community projects over the years, including creating a library and assisting widowed women.

Overall, the Joshua Mission, with its team of passionate volunteers and community support, plans to continue its efforts in Jamaica each year. Their work not only addresses immediate health needs but also fosters a sense of commitment and compassion among those involved.

For further details on their initiatives, you can visit The Joshua Mission.

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