This week H.E.A.L. US members are re-visiting destinations from last year’s Salud Southwest Exchange. Here’s our schedule for the week:

Monday August 23 and Tuesday August 24

American Indian Health & Services — Santa Barbara, Calif.

Wednesday August 25

United American Indian Involvement, Inc. — Los Angeles, Calif.

Friday August 27

Phoenix Indian Health Services — Phoenix, Ariz.

Monday, August 16

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Faith and Health

Tuesday, August 17

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Nutrition

Wednesday, August 18

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Mental Health and Hypertension

Thursday, August 19

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Diabetes and STDs

Friday, August 20

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Cuba and the Latin American School of Medicine

All workshops will be held at First Grace United Methodist Church located at 3401 Canal St. in New Orleans. Questions? Call Tia at (504) 564.3425

From left to right: Ketia, Liz, Diana, Laravic, Sarah and Maiti at Samuel Merritt University.

Here’s the remaining schedule of H.E.A.L. US Oakland as of July 29, 2010:

Thursday, July 29

Native American Health Clinic, 9-11 a.m.

Coalition for Concern Medical Professionals Observership, 2-4 p.m.

EBAYs Presentation for Parents in West Oakland, 1747 14th Street, Oakland, CA, 94607-1513, 6-8 p.m.

Friday, July 30

Medical Marijuana Observership, Purple Heart and Oaksterdam Tour, 9-11:30 a.m.

Acupuncture Observership, Asian Health Services, 1 p.m.

Just another way to represent the SSWE! Group shot in Paso Robles, Calif.

Hard to believe it’s been three weeks since The Exchange wrapped up. Like we continuously say, this is just the beginning…and it truly is! We’ve spent the last few weeks since The Exchange ended, reaching out to our own individual communities sharing our personal experience on the trip, talking about ELAM and other ways we can work together on the road to universal health care.

From Alicia:

Alicia on an Native American Indian reservation near Tuba City, AZ.

We discovered love all over the land of the Southwest

The Salud Southwest Exchange solidified my belief in the importance of organizing, sharing and loving to make positive paradigm shifts. Throughout our adventure I was inspired by the actions and aspirations of the SSWE members and the people of the communities that we visited. How refreshing it was to be surrounded by people who are invested and active in improving people’s health, realizing that together we can make changes that we all need and deserve. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be learning at ELAM and from this SSWE to continuously build upon a strong foundation in ciencia y conciencia (science and consciousness). I’ve been longing to unite with people who value the health of everyone so that together we can act and make a strong impact. I feel like I’ve met these people and many of us are already organizing for returning to communities we visited. I’m thrilled to start and continue in the struggle for the healing of humanity. We are going to do it together with love, justice and happiness!

Southwest Sun rays showered the SSWE

Wonderful words of wisdom:

“You’ll all have a real chance at fixing these health disparities.” Stay vocal.” – Noha Aboelata, MD at Native American Health Center, Inc.

“Never act alone.” “Everyone is a VIP (very important person) that’s how we want to be.” – Andru Ziwasimon, MD at South Valley Clinic, Casa de Salud

“Your tongue has power. You have the power to make your own story, you are what you read, watch and say.” “Know your plan, your purpose and base your education and life on your purpose and your natural talent.”- Jocelyn Billy-Upshaw, former Miss Navajo

“Love doesn’t quit.” – Reverend Lucius Walker, Founder and Executive Director of IFCO

Magical moments from The Exchange:

• The United American Indian Involvement was created from a big sticky note. The community started listing to what they wanted and needed and made it happen.
• UNM students were ecstatic about the opportunity to study at ELAM, we still are too!
• We were invited to the community meeting at Pajarito Mesa.
• Nizhoni passing out salt crystals and lavender to us, learning about the beautiful laughing ceremony.
• Community HUGS, rollero rollerskating, SUV/RV dancing, fire truck!, birthday tiaras, “can you feel it” dancing, Freestyle Fridays, climbing the huge Grand Canyon rock, shared meal time, zombie dolphins, catchphrase, camping, drinking from the stream, Gala dancing, Frisbee, relish, TIMMY!!! — the best pit bull, exploding rock, late night laugh fest at IHOP and all the time, sharing everything with everyone-we are a wonderful family!

-Alicia

From Medina:

Medina during a tour of La Clinica de la Raza in Oakland, Calif.

If I had to describe the SSWE experience in one word it would be awesome. But honestly SSWE is so much more than that. From the moment that I landed in California, I felt nothing but positive energy. The reunion with the rest of the group affirmed my intuition that we were about to head out for a wonderful Exchange. From the start we meshed well together and all came prepared to begin on our journey as one unit. We even shared a heated debate on the famous New York classic pizza versus the Chicago deep dish during our kick-off dinner. Now as a New Yorker it was a hard decision, but Chicago gave New York a run for its money.

Before we embarked on our journey we shared a loving group hug in front of Pasha’s house. To some it might be considered corny, but to me it is important to start off our trip with love and positive energy. Some of our best moments were spent in the RV or SUV taking in the amazing scenery that the Southwest had to offer. The different landscapes that we visited from Canyon de Chelly to the Grand Canyon, from deserts to the Pacific Ocean, it was all breath taking. Then to fill these beautiful spaces with the beautiful individuals that we met during the Exchange makes it even more awesome. I think that the excitement and the love that the health care providers had for people as well as medicine was mind blowing. Seeing doctors choosing to help people for all the right reasons is an inspiration for me. The experience that we shared together showed me that our decision to be physicians with a moral cause is the best choice that we could have made. I am so blessed to get to know this group of amazing young people. Go SSWE.

-Medina

The Exchange at our final stop in Paso Robles, Calif.

We all took the time to write in our words what The Exchange meant to us.

From Keasha:

Keasha at La Clinica de la Raza in Oakland, Calif.

• There are still people who have not faltered in their struggle of justice and equity, and that these same people are winning the fight
• In the realm of forward-thinking, positivity and loving service, color-lines cease to exist and all people can relate to and help one another
• The power of cohesiveness and positivity
• The power of spiritual circles and tap-dancing grandmothers
• That impossible is a word that has no meaning and should be taken out of the dictionary because all things are possible

The Salud Southwest Exchange is not over, it is in fact a beginning for me. It has opened the door to what I had thought was impossible, to what will become my reality. How to provide free or low-cost health care to those most in need was once a blurry vision in my mind. Now it has been manifested in stark clarity in so many centers we visited in the Southwest. This reality allows me to thinking that truly, a better world is possible and that we are collectively moving toward that vision. Ashe, to all the supporters, participants and followers of the Salud Southwest Exchange! It’s been FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!

-Keasha

From Kereese:

Kereese speaks to a group at Central Valley Indian Health Services in Clovis, Calif.

-Kereese

From Jesus:

Jesus speaks to a group of students at the University of New Mexico

Forgotten

It’s surprising…

To be here where for many there holds no significance.

To see these red land which carry in them the blood

of the millions who tried to defend her,

that loved and respected her.

Her sands, so sensual to the touch of a hand,

like a caress given to a lover

which vanishes the moment it passes.

The ultimate gesture of love.

Here, where millions have called her Mother

where the rocking of her breath

whispers a melody of no equal.

Here, where her skin flourishes in the sun,

which doesn’t hide the passing of time across her face.

To that which the heavens cloak and venerate

showing the universe her beauty

and worshipping her with the stars.

She who kisses our paths in

our short journey,

recognizing us as her children.
She who cries for the things we do to her,

and for the things we fail to do as well.

She who cries for the things we do to ourselves

Yes, It is surprising.

It’s surprising that we have forgotten.

-Jesus

From Akua:

Akua greets visitors at the East Central Ministries Health Fair in Albuquerque, NM

16 days,

So many wonderful experiences,

Awe inspiring moments that will stay with me forever

California is great because of the wide spectrum of its scenery and its health services. New Mexico is a gem, with warm weather and open hearts.

But Arizona stood out to me in its amazing juxtapositions. From learning the basics of sheep herding along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, to meeting a team of special ops military officers whose mission was health care.

Sun bathing with Cassandra by the pool at the roadside Days Inn. Red tiled roof, blue skies, pine trees next to palm trees next to orange trees, forced into early autumn by the scorching summer sun. The bright blue of the chlorinated pool marred by dried leaves and other detritus. It was so surreal, we should have taken pictures.

The beauty reflected in the reality. Learning not to judge a book by its cover, but by its contents. Surprised at every step of the way by the love with which the work is done. Seeing the progress stand beside how far we have to go.

Loving service, open hearts, open minds and enjoying the scenery along the way.

-Akua

From Joanna:

Joanna speaks to a group at La Clinica de la Raza in Oakland, Calif.

An “exchange” is a great opportunity to get to know your communities, work together with peers to address community concerns, and begin building the foundation of a powerful relationship with your communities at home. It is an opportunity to tap into what is being done and the potential of what can be done concerning health care.

This is something we as students of Cuba are expected to do upon graduation, but why wait?  Start now!  And for those graduating in the U.S. who are not exclusively asked to return to your community, why not? Seize this opportunity before leaving home and losing touch with your community; before graduating and losing touch with your professors and classmates.  Starting an exchange is all about tying your education into your reality at home.

On the Salud SW Exchange 2009, we did just that.  We had three objectives that we established before the exchange that we addressed throughout the exchange: (1) to present our own words our experience of what it is like to study at ELAM and promote the availability of full scholarships to study there; (2) to volunteer our services while learning about some of the more significant health care concerns; and (3) to build personal and professional relationships with health care practitioners.

These objectives helped us establish our focus when we visited various different underserved communities throughout the U.S Southwest.  We hope to continue this exchange by sending groups of students back to these communities to further elaborate on the three objectives and how their education and relationships can help address community concerns.

It was a great Salud SW Exchange 2009 had by all!  I congratulate all of the students for their participation and I encourage more students to get involved.  Now is the time, seize the moment!

-Joanna

From Pasha:

Pasha speaks about The Exchange at the MEDICC sendoff party in Oakland, Calif.

-Pasha

From Damian:

Damian takes a break while shooting pictures at Dine College in Tsaile, AZ

hello friends. while i enjoy writing and even maintain a personal blog, often

i feel that my thoughts on paper come out coarse and partially incoherent. some may argue i can hold my own with a pen but at the same time i feel that when i carry a camera it is as much an extension of myself and my thoughts as my very words are. on top of that there’s that old mantra that “a picture is worth a thousand words”, so lets just say that here are 15,000 words in photographic form; just my personal favorites from the trip that didn’t make the dated blog entry cut.

-Damian

Group huddle during our final stop before Oakland

Meeting with Dr. Hollanda Leon, Medical Director at American Indian Health & Services in Santa Barbara

Home sweet Oakland! We arrived back to Oakland, Calif., the exact place where The Exchange began. It’s super surreal to think that over two weeks ago the Exchange started. We left Santa Barbara this morning with a warm, wonderful send off from Scott and Merin at American Indian Health & Services. Talk about hospitality at its finest! Thank you so much from our delicious lunch to our cozy home on Sunday night. We can’t wait to work with you guys more in the future! Keasha shares our final day on the road below:

The day started off in Santa Barbara getting to meet some of the physicians at the American Indian Health & Services. After being sent off by these physicians, Scott Black, the executive director and his wife Merin, we headed off to a local supermarket to buy the fixings for a picnic lunch. After getting all the supplies we needed, we made sandwiches, ate and relaxed on the grass as Pasha led a group briefing. Once our bellies were full we loaded into our vehicles and headed north on the final stretch of highway that would lead us into Oakland.

Enjoying a picnic lunch at a park in Paso Robles, Calif.

Our welcome home sign from Kylie Jackson

Like I said before, this is not the end of The Exchange’s web site. I’ll be constantly updating with more updates on this summer’s Exchange, updates on students and of course pictures! Please send your thoughts too and remember to follow us on Facebook!

Enjoying the sunset in Arizona

As mentioned, we’ve been really limited with communication these last few days. No worries though, we arrived in Los Angeles late last night. The group split up for the evening as some of us dispersed to stay with our families, while the majority of us stayed with our new honorary member — Grandma Wilkinson. (Greg’s sensational grandma). Grandma Wilkinson entertained us with her super hospitable personality and welcomed us into her home with great conversation and open arms. We couldn’t have asked for a better night in Los Angeles. Then this morning we departed for Santa Barbara for a visit with American Indian Health Services. We will be spending the rest of the day and our FINAL night here on the coast of Santa Barbara. It’s so hard to believe we are about to spend our final night together. Wow! So amazing and this blog really just gives a glimpse into what we’ve done these last two weeks. So many wonderful stories to share with all of our families and friends when we get home. Anyway, here’s a summary for the last few days that we’ve been on the road so you can get caught up!

Do you see the SWEE? At Window Rock, AZ

The first one is from Kereese. She describes when we were staying at a reservation in Arizona. It was actually Shannon Fleg’s family’s land where we stayed. If you remember, Shannon Fleg is part of Native Health Initiative, the organization we spent August 2 with.

Thursday August 6

This morning we woke up with the most amazing view in our backyard.  The group had various experiences during the night.  Some chose to sleep in the RV, others camped in tents, while others slept under the desert stars.  As the sun broke the sandy horizon, some of us awoke with Suzy (Shannon Fleg’s mom) to help her graze the sheep and goats.  We set out across the sandy brush scattered dunes with Suzy and Yellow Dog (the family’s sheep-herding dog that grew up with the very cattle with which it was now charged.)

There's always time to study! Ian and Alicia hit the books while on the road to Arizona

The morning started off cool, but quickly the sun began to make her presence known.  Suzy pointed out the various medicinal plants that were and are still used to treat an assortment of ailments.  We chewed the leaves of one plant to create a paste that could be used to treat bug bites.  Tasha’s stuffy nose was cured with a plant whose scent is comparable to Vicks Vapor Rub.  We also saw the plants used to weave the beautiful baskets we had seen in many native crafts markets.  Akua even tried her hand at making one such basket.  The sheep were then herded back to their corals and fed with some hay to supplement their diets of delectable desert brush.

Then it was off to breakfast which was absolutely delicious!  Shannon’s relatives treated us to a large breakfast of pancakes, eggs and fresh fruit.  We even had the opportunity to try the government issued juice that Shannon and her siblings survived off of as young people.  Our bellies and hearts were filled and we continued our day with a little shopping.  We were able to purchase the jewelry artfully crafted by Shannon’s grandparents.  We spent several minutes perusing the jewelry made of tiger eye stone, topaz and  etc. and many of us came away with little bags of jewelry and gifts.

Keasha and Jesus prepare for their interview with Univision-Albuquerque

It was then off to the petroglyphs!  All 14 of us along with several of Shannon’s relatives piled into two  pickup trucks and a minivan.  We drove along bumpy, twisting red dirt rodes until we arrived at the petroglyphs.  They were beyond impressive and utterly breathtaking.  We were walking amongst the artwork of a people that lived hundreds of years before us.  Many of us moved silently in awe among the stones that depicted the number of rains seen, the number of falling stars, snakes and other animals.  Then we piled back into the vehicles and headed toward the natural springs which Shannon’s family had used as their main water source for years until the local government ran pipes to their reservation bringing water but also charges for their water.  Now only the plants on their farm use the natural spring water.  We drank from the springs, the clear cool water quenching the thirst produced by our treck up the side of the mountain.  There was not much time to stop however, so after a few moments at the springs we headed back to Suzy’s house to say our final goodbyes and head toward the Grand Canyon.

Louis Head, of SWOP, introduces SSWE to a community meeting in Albuquerque

Before heading arriving at the Grand Canyon we stopped at the Dinosaur tracks; a flat area of rock and sand that holds the imprints of dinosaur tracks, millions of years old.  We had a little fun jumping off of the some rocks into a sand dune below then got into the RV to drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  The canyon was majestic and some of us climbed between the cracks of an isolated rock formation.  After spending about two hours at the canyon, hiking, climbing and taking pictures, we headed toward Flagstaff, Arizona were we met for a tasty meal at a local Thai restaurant.  The food was good, the conversation better and after a fun filled day we returned to the hotel to climb into bed.

We want to thank Shannon and her family for an amazing time.  We learned so much about the beauty of the simple life on the reservation and we felt the love of that wonderful community.  We had lots of first time experiences  amongst the group, from most of our first time to the Grand Canyon to Jesus’ first Thai food encounter.  I can definitely say that this was a day of growth for most.     

-Kereese

After our time stop in Flagstaff, it was a early wake up (4:30 a.m.) for us to be in Phoenix by 8 a.m. It’s safe to say we got used to the early wake ups! We arrived in Phoenix to have a meeting with the Phoenix Indian Health Services. Medina shares her recap of the day.

Never a dull moment on the SSWE!

They say that there is a first time for everything, well today marked my first time water tubing down a river. The SSWE crew headed out for some recreational time on the Salt River to float and relax down the river, right outside of Phoenix. Along the way we made some stops to pick up hats and sunscreen. Looking at the landscape and the surrounding mountains it was difficult to imagine the existence of a river.  From the moment we arrived in the parking lot we were charged up and full of energy. On the shuttle bus to the starting point, we shared our high energy antics with the other passengers staying true to the SSWE way — sharing who we are and learning about others. (Go Beavers!!! )

As we entered the river we realized it was definitely far from lazy. Its beauty was beyond description. So we splashed, loaded and took off for our adventure. We didn’t have to wait for long for the fun to begin as less than two minutes into it I drifted into some trees off to the side. It was a little scary, but low and behold Joanna came to my rescue. From that point on it was smooth sailing. We enjoyed laughs, togetherness and strong currents. Hats were broken, some were lost and a new one was found on the riverbank. We got some scrapes, some suffered hypothermia and after three hours and slight desperation it was one of the best experiences of our lives. When we got back to our vehicle it was time for the feast of muffins, leftover birthday cake and peanut butter and jelly.

-Medina

Jesus takes in the sights and sounds of the Grand Canyon

After our recreational day on the river, we spent the night in Phoenix and caught up on some much needed sleep. Because we had to be in Santa Barbara, Calif. for a Sunday meeting with the American Indian Health and Services. Our goal for Saturday was to make it to Los Angeles and stay the night with our family. Here’s Greg’s recap of Saturday, August 8.

Our morning began re-upping our energy at the Cracker Barrel in Phoenix.  After a concise briefing and channeling of positive energies, we mounted up and set out west toward our next destination — Santa Barbara, California.  Crossing the Arizona-California state line we passed over the south-bound Colorado river for a quick rest stop in Blythe, Calif.  Crossing through Southern California we made a stop for gas in Desert Hot Springs, home to another ELAM classmate Tana Parker.  Tana is spending this summer studying for Step 1 of her licensing exam. Good luck Tana!

At the Grand Canyon. From front to back: Keasha, Joanna, Greg, Jesus, Alicia and Melissa

Further down the road, my brother Josh (who coincidentally was already in Santa Barbara with his wife) let us know beforehand that all the campsites were booked so we opted to stay at my granny (if you call her grandma she’ll kick your butt) Donna’s house for the night in Los Angeles.  This unplanned event turned out to be a blessing in disguise.   Not only did Granny Donna open up her house to a group of strangers at night, and at a moments notice, but she greeted us with such a warm energy which permeated through to everyone around.   As we all sat in a circle in her living room, she asked us each questions about ourselves to give personal accounts of our dreams and hopes for the trip, and also future plans that have been made possible because of ELAM, BES and SSWE.  We talked about everything from politics, to love, women and tap dancing.

Later Alicia received a long awaited reunion with her family who drove out to Granny Donna’s house to visit her.  Pasha was able to visit his grandmother as well, since by another strange set of “coincidences” they lived literally just around the corner from each other.  After Alicia and Pasha went to see their family, Granny Donna kept us up with stimulating questions to share in our energy circle, and it felt just like a continuation of everything we had been  doing as we visited clinics and reservations along the way.  What was different about these circles is that Granny Donna was instrumental in bringing the members of SSWE closer to each other.

Granny Donna and her boy Greg

We learned new things about each other in theses “sharing circles”  We spoke about our greatest hopes and deepest fears.  Reflecting on this experience, many members of SSWE were amazed that we had come full circle and fulfilled all of the three objectives of The Exchange.  We had promoted the program, learned about health concerns and formed community amongst each other.  Mission accomplished, Thanks Granny!

-Greg

Joanna observing lab results at Phoenix Indian Health Services

Granny Donna and Alicia’s family sent us off with more than full bellies, but a fresh, rested mind set to get us ready for our Sunday with American Indian Health Services. Joanna recaps our Sunday, August 9:

We awoke to a fresh pot of brewing coffee, Mazer (Ian) found the blueberry oatmeal cookies and Donna was chatting up a storm on health care issues.  Her “All for One or None” t-shirt spoke the true meaning of our adventures.  If it were not for our camaraderie we never would have made it this far.

In a frenzy we hurried to sign sweet everlasting “Happy Birthday” messages for our two lovely captains — Pasha and Tasha… yes they are a couple, yes they have rhyming names and yes they have the same birthday, but believe it or not, we still love them both.

Off to Santa Barbara!!!  All up Route 101 we pass alfalfa fields and wheat grass, wondering what to expect along the ‘Golden Coast’ of California.  Are there really health disparities?  Are there actually issues for us to tackle?  Is there a place for us in such an upscale community?  What are the challenges that the Santa Barbara American Indian Health Services (AIHS) has to face? Scott Black, the director, and his wife, Merin, were happy to give us their Sunday to answer some of these questions and more.  They are dedicated to what they do and to the community they serve, having worked 420 out of the last 430 work days, fielding all of the administrative work of a clinic that has passed hands twice in the last five years and almost gone belly-up because of poor administration.

Ian and Melissa get some R&R after our trip down the Salt River in Mesa, AZ

It turns out that there are several Native tribes in the area of Santa Barbara, including the Chumash. However, they see people from American Indian Nations all throughout California.  In addition to the natives, they see many people from low income families.  Over 80 percent of their pediatrics patients are of Latino decent.  Everyone on their staff speaks Spanish, an important work asset in this area.

So why in a place like Santa Barbara are there such health disparities?  Why is there a need for the AIHS outside of the American Native communities?  As Scott would explain it, “… you have the extremely wealthy, and someone has to work for them.”  Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like the wealthy ever got the memo… “Share the wealth!”

Scott and Merin administer an outpatient clinic with eight physicians serving about 1,000 visits a week, offering a variety of in-house services from podiatry to mental health, not to mention drumming/talking circles and a mobile clinic that visits schools offering services to anyone in need no questions asked.

Another day on the road. From top to bottom: Alicia, Kereese and Medina

They recognize that Santa Barbara, the surrounding tribal lands and low-income communities need good physicians willing to provide quality care at low cost.  It is all too rare to find doctors who consider their work a service not a status.  Though, we were pleased to hear that when Scott took on the responsibilities of the AIHS it was already staffed with several stunning physicians committed to serving the community.

We were surprised to discover that the major obstacle to running a community clinic in Santa Barbara wasn’t the rising cost of living, stagnant economics or growing health care disparities, but outlandish lawsuits!  Apparently, people feed off the charity of others, and AIHS has had to battle several scam-artists who set up lawsuits just to nab money.  With time and money spent on court battles, they find it difficult to concentrate their efforts where they are most needed.

After our wonderful visit with Scott and Merin, we made off to the beaches of Goleta to meet Greg’s brother, wife and children.  We had a nice BBQ with the family, a healthy game of Frisbee and took a dip in the frigid waters.Then to top it off, Scott and Merin invited us back!  What good folk we have met along the way, and what a great way to stage our grand homecoming!

-Joanna

From left to right: Akua, Medina and Damo relax on the way to Santa Barbara

I hope this posting serves as a good summary of our last few days. Yes, it’s hard to sum up our experience in words, so we hope that encourages our family and friends to talk to us more of what it’s been like to be on The Exchange. Tomorrow, we’ll make our way back to Oakland for our homecoming. Expect a final recap from everyone in the next few days and a link to all of our pictures. Also, please check our section “SSWE In The News” as I’ll continue to update links.

We can’t even begin to thank the people who have touched us these last few days. The list of folks is everlasting, but it’s important for to note that this trip would not have been the success it is, if it wasn’t for every single person we encountered.

-Tasha

We’ve left Albuquerque, spent some time in Arizona and now spending the night in Los Angeles. Thank you for your patience and come back by tomorrow for a full recap and tons of pictures!

-Tasha

The Exchange meets with students from The University of New Mexico

Today took us to two different areas of Albuquerque. It also marked the first time that we delegated tasks, and split up into groups working in different areas of the community. In the morning some of us went to the University of New Mexico to meet with students of the university sharing our experience at ELAM while a few of us went to the local radio station, KUNM-FM, had a few interviews talking about The Exchange and ELAM. In the afternoon, we all came together collectively and headed out with Dr. Julie Sierra and Dr. Art Kaufman to the Pajarito Mesa Mobile Clinic about 40 minutes from downtown Albuquerque. The experience was profound. Here’s Akua’s recap of the day:

Keasha, Kereese, Greg and Ian at KUNM-FM studio for an interview

Today’s events started with a much needed phenomena, a fresh faced start after a good night’s sleep. With an average of nine hours of sleep (amazing!) we split forces to double team Albuquerque, getting the word out about who we are and what we do.

Team 1 went down to KUNM-FM studios for a half hour interview about The Exchange, the ELAM project and life in Cuba. The team consisted of Greg, Ian, Keasha and Kereese. They wowed the interviewer with their eloquence and their excitement about studying medicine and their commitment to community health. It was a nice way for us to kick up some dust again after the cloud we leave behind the RV has settled when we leave.

The Exchange at Pajarito Mesa

Team 2 met with pre-med students, their advisor and a couple of parents in UNM’s Student Union Building. This presentation marked the directorial debut by the team of Jackson/Suarez/Cusack-Curbello and, in addition to the Salud! Clip, we presented a student’s eye view of both the ELAM campus and Salvador Allende. The clip was friggin’ awesome! It presented a beautiful “day in the life as a student” view of our program and I look forward to using it during future events…

From left to right: Kereese, Cassandra, Dr. Kaufman, Ian and Medina inside the Pajarito Mesa Mobile Clinic Van

The relaxed question and answer session was super productive. Everyone’s voice in the room was heard and all concerns were addressed in our usual positive, energetic style. One student expressed that we helped rekindle his desire to study medicine and I am sure we corralled another two to three prospective students for the ELAM class of 2016. While we were wrapping up the question and answer session at UNM

Team 1a (ie; Keasha and Joanna) took part in another interview that is set to run on NPR in the near future and as always, they rocked it! We’ll be sure to keep you posted on the date and time of that interview, since it was a 7 minute spot it would be otherwise easy to miss…

Akua, Medina and Alicia with members of the Pajarito Mesa community

After lunch we all headed out to the Pajarito Mesa Colonia to meet the amazing people who live there and to assist with the monthly mobile clinic/ food bank that takes place atop la colita, which sits in the middle of la colonia. For those of you who do not know, Pajarito Mesa is a small community of people, whose homes and trailers are spread out upon a vast landscape on the outskirts of town. The people of this community have come together to fight for basic human rights that many, living less than five miles away, take for granted. They are fighting for rights to water, electricity, mail delivery and police protection. They have come together as a united front to assure that their tax dollars provide them with the same services that other residents enjoy.  It was awe inspiring to see people who are living “off the grid” not only surviving, but thriving in this community that embraces water conservation, alternative energy sources and networking with others as a means to deal with a difficult (and that’s putting it lightly) situation…

Today’s event was part of a partnership between the people of Pajarito Mesa, UNM School of Medicine and East Central Ministries to provide both a health clinic and a food bank to the people of la colonia. It was wonderful to take part in the fruits of a cooperative effort to support the community that was facilitated by a gatekeeper within the community and designed by self imposed community asset mapping (shout out to NHI.) We were then invited  to participate in a meeting of the Pajarito Mesa Community Association where we could see the nuts and bolts of the decision making process used to address community needs. We were welcomed into a local home and allowed to present any comments, questions or suggestions that we may have had. We were grateful to be included in that process.

-Akua

Melissa and Jesus having fun on The University of New Mexico campus

Afterward we wrapped up the day at Kellys Bar and Grill, taking the time to unwind, talk about our day and plan for tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be another fun filled day that will begin after a good nights sleep. I can’t wait to get started…

Akua really ended her recap how all of us feel. It does not feel long like days because we are so inspired and taken aback by the beauty of these communities we visit. Tomorrow we’ll spend the morning at Casa de Salud Medical Clinic and then wrap up the evening with a community meeting in Albuquerque.

Thank you to the University of New Mexico for allowing us to come in and talk about ELAM and our experiences. To the community of Pajarito Mesa. You not only invited us into your homes and community, but you shared your life with us. Thank you for inspiring us and inviting us not only into your homes, but our hearts. We are forever grateful and humbled by you.

-Tasha

The Birthday Girl...Medina!

Ian and Alicia introduce The Exchange to Edgewood EMS

That’s right! Medina marks birthday number two out of four we’ll be celebrating on The Exchange! Medina is such a bright light on the Exchange. She has such an infectious laugh and always makes people smile. Her passion and dedication to serve is so evident in how she works and this trip would not be the same without her!

We had an amazing day today, as the Native Health Initiative (NHI) invited us to spend the majority of our day with them. Dr. Anthony and Shannon Fleg welcomed us into their house this morning for a delicious, home cooked New Mexico style breakfast. It was the perfect way to start as we exchanged in a profound discussion led by a blessing to mark the start of the day’s events.

You can't go to fire station without a picture on a fire truck...The Exchange with Edgewood EMS and NHI

Our first stop was at Edgewood fire station and EMS where the group helped NHI present a workshop titled “Identifying and Amplifying the Strengths and Assets of Our Communities to Improve Health.” It’s important we recognize all sectors that work toward improving health care and our communities. We addressed the need to work first in our communities and one of my favorite things Anthony said was, “How can we improve health care, when we haven’t even begun to find the real solution?” Talking with firefighters brought a common ground when Anthony asked us, “How many hours do you volunteer?” No matter what profession we’re in, we are still working together toward for communities in serving. We were so humbled to be welcomed into Edgewood and exchange in an amazing dialogue with them.

Look how close we are to Cuba...New Mexico

From Edgewood we headed to Jimez Feast where we were blown away by the beauty of an astounding culture and crowd. We were invited into a home to eat and eventually made our way back to Albuquerque in the evening to close out the day with a delicious group dinner a well-known Albuquerque landmark…The Frontier. Yum!

Tomorrow marks a very busy day as we will visit with students from the University of New Mexico and volunteer are time later in the afternoon.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to NHI and The Flegs. What an incredible day we had with you. Thank you doesn’t express half of what we felt today, but we believe this is the beginning in working with each other and we look forward to meeting up with you again. Thank you to Edgewood EMS for your hospitality and welcoming us into your second home away from home. So much fun was had!

-Tasha