Public health team treats underserved communities in Guatemala

A team from Liberty University’s Department of Public & Community Health recently completed its sixth annual trip to Guatemala, aiming to make a positive impact on rural communities that often go untreated for conditions like hypertension, anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol, and others. This continues an effort led by department chair Dr. Oswald Attin and online Master of Public Health (MPH) program director Dr. Gineska Castillo to treat underserved Hispanic communities locally and abroad.

The professors was joined by a current student, senior Grace Sibert, who is studying in the accelerated B.S. in Public Health to MPH (4+1) program and went on last year’s trip.

The trip took place from July 16-24 and included time spent in three communities in the southern region of the country: Hermano Pedro Santa Ana, Agua Coloradada El Hato, and San Pedro Las Huertas. The heartfelt efforts of nonprofits United Hands (Manos Unitas) and Agua Viva and Iglesias De Americas, a Hispanic church in Lynchburg, greatly contributed to the trip’s success.

“Our primary goal for this annual trip is to provide essential health education and conduct preventive health screenings,” Attin said. “Upon arrival, a thorough community health assessment was conducted to determine the most effective intervention methods and evaluate the overall health of the population. We also engaged in a soccer ministry with elementary students, providing valuable physical education and mentorship.”

The Liberty group was aided by healthcare professionals from Mexico, El Salvador, and Venezuela. This year marked the first trip in which local physicians and specialists joined the health outreach initiatives, including a nutritionist and allergist who offered educational workshops. A dedicated pharmacy technician also attended and provided essential medications.

“When I first went to Guatemala five or six years ago, Dr. Attin asked me to accompany him to the health fair and provide preventive care to this population. To my great surprise, I was the only health professional with a doctor’s degree,” Castillo said. “This year, God made our team grow, bringing more people to collaborate with many gifts and talents in the health area.”

In total, the team was able to serve over 280 families and nearly 1,000 adults and children at health screenings. They also offered training to first responders, 30 community health workers, and local government officials (including the vice mayor) in CPR/first aid, Stop the Bleed, public health education, and vital sign strategies.

“Our commitment as a department goes beyond physical health; we also aim to provide hope through prayer, nurturing spiritual and emotional well-being,” Attin said. “Furthermore, we conduct ongoing research to better serve underserved communities and ensure their long-term health.”

“We are immensely thankful to the School of Health Sciences, Dean Heidi DiFrancesca, and the Office of Sponsored Programs for their enduring support, which enables us to fulfill the purpose that deeply resonates with our hearts,” he added.