[News Boquete] Boquete Health and Hospice November Newsletter

Purple Cloud, Giving Tuesday, 1st Spanish CPR, Volunteers Appreciation lunch, Respiratory Locker Day and Our Mission in this news letter.

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Table of Contents: •The Purple Cloud •Giving Tuesday •1st Spanish CPR Class •Volunteers Appreciation Lunch • Respiratory Locker Day •Our Mission

The Purple Cloud Descends

On November 19, a purple cloud enveloped the BCP theater complex.  Three purple-clad centurions stood attentive at the 3 entrances passing the purple-framed brochures of Boquete Health and Hospice into arriving hands. Notes were attached about the main event of the day, our BHH Tuesday Talk.  Our volunteer Ambassadors came through again to deliver the message that this panel presentation by BHH volunteers was not to be missed.   By 10 am, the purple-uniformed infantry entered the auditorium and took their places in chairs on the stage.  The shaking wasn't an earthquake but the quivering of many on the 10-person panel as they reviewed their notes, knowing they had specific time boundaries in which to present an overview of their individual roles which they represented.   The audience followed the purple glow into the theater until every seat was taken with just a few spaces for the standers, who eagerly wanted to be included in this event.   Lights! Camera! Action!  Volunteer photographer Mike Webber and volunteer video-producer Rod Parker started the cameras rolling which would document this presentation. This is a wonderful step towards expanding the exposure and mission of BHH.  In the opening introduction, this new format was explained. Then the panel shared for about 30 minutes, then focus would shift to the audience.  Their roles were punctuated by emphasizing how important it was to hear their needs and concerns through an extended Q and A and this day was all about them, our Boquete community.   John Earle spoke about the early days, garnishing applause as he introduced his wife and founding partner Babbie. We are happy to be able to help more and more Panamanians. It was an honor to have our medical director, Dra. Digna Diaz, join the panel with Laurie C., Bev T., Merl, Linda A., Evie J., Val S., Joanie F., and Erin R.  After truly excellent and concise summaries, the panel fielded questions which filled the remaining 30 + minutes.  The audience stayed engaged. Beneficiaries in the audience gave heartfelt witness to the help they had received. Encouraged by feedback, we feel sure that our vision was accomplished, even beyond expectations. It was our desire to present BHH in a way that would be well received, be easily digested by our audience, and both educate and stimulate fresh conversations within our Boquete Community. Once again, our new tag line of "Helping Hands • Caring Hearts" was on display in real ways.   So many selflessly serve our community behind the scenes with no recognition.  This special Tuesday Talk was no different and we thank each one involved and members that actively 'spread the word' in creative ways and attended in support of this event.   Photos by Mike Weber Make a Difference Boquete Health and Hospice (BHH) Volunteers GIVE their time to our community.  In a typical year, we: Take 395 calls for help Loan 300 pieces of medical equipment Make 50 home visits Provide care for 10 hospice/health care patients Assist caregivers with 45 meals Take 500 blood pressures at the Tuesday Market In addition to our Health Care Services, and Equipment Loan Program, we offer: Semi-annual Blood Drives for the community Information & guidance with sickness and end of life in Panama (Being Prepared) CPR training for Expats and Panamanians Healthy Living Seminars covering many health-related topics The Magic of Music loan program for patients, especially with dementia Although our 60 active members willingly volunteer their time, we have hard costs associated with providing our many services. Approximately $16,000/year is required to: Purchase, ship, maintain and store our Medical and Respiratory Equipment Sponsor our Blood Drives Train BHH Volunteers Promote our services to the Community Run Being Prepared Seminars, Workshops and Healthy Living presentations General Administration (telephone, meeting rooms, operational expenses) Honor GIVING TUESDAY and support BHH with your charitable donation. Donate $20 - and receive an insulated, zippered tote bag as our Gift to You! Donate Now 1st Spanish CPR Training The first Spanish CPR class went well. It looked like the participants were having fun. The evaluations were good.  All the CPR steps were broken down into details and reviewed carefully.  For most of these students this was the first time in their life they had ever seen CPR and the Heimlich Manuever demonstrated.  Our plans for 2020 will include more classes in Spanish, to be offered to local restaurants to train their staff.  Kudos to the CPR Team and our bilingual instructors! Photos by Mike Weber Respiratory Locker Day We had a locker clean up and check day primarily to bring on board the new concentrators and to orient Cat V., Jack B. and Sofia V. to the respiratory team. All functional machines were reviewed and checked. We currently have 18 functioning machines, 5 lent out to patients and 13 now ready to lend in the locker. We also have the two portable units in the locker as well. All broken machines were boxed up and put to the back so we can possibly use parts or repair some of the machines in the future. Unfortunately, our crack repairman, Karl Sprickman, and Nancy Sprickman will be returning to the USA in mid December. Thank you both for the service you have provided the BHHF respiratory team. Our Mission Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.   To Make a Donation  BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation. To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation. You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation. For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks  Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends. Confidentiality All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence. To Contact Us Hospice/Health:  (507) 6781-9250 8am to 8pm only, Please.   Blood Donor Program:  WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507) 6781-9250 8am to 8pm only, Please. Email:  boquetehospice@gmail.com Email:  boquetehealth@gmail.com   Freely send this to anyone, use any part. Our mailing address is: info@boquetehealth.org

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