Hawaii’s OMM readies another medical mission to PH

A previous Ohana medical mission in Davao. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

HONOLULU — A group of over 50 volunteer physicians, nurses, medical personnel and non-professionals are gearing up for a mission to several sites in Luzon from February 14- 21

The trip Ohana Medical Missions Inc. is part of an ongoing effort to reach out to the poor and needy of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim, including the Philippines.

The volunteers will be providing free medical and humanitarian services to the sick and needy in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City; Gawad Kalinga-Aloha Village in Agudo, Mandaluyong; Gerona, Tarlac; Naga City, Legaspi City; and Bacacay, Albay in the Bicol region.

“We do these missions several times a year because the need is so great,” says Dr. Russell S. Kelly, OMM president. “Many of our volunteers are repeat participants who have discovered the joys and deep personal fulfillment that come with helping others in need.”

OMM members have held several fundraisers for needed equipment and medical and dental supplies, most of which are donated and the rest purchased.

During the mission, OMM will donate over $200,000 worth of medications, “in-kind” gifts such as toiletry items, soap and rice for the poorest of the poor and some 5,000 gently used eyeglasses collected by the Aiea Lions Club.

To date OMM has received medicines and supplies from AmeriCares and other donors. All donations received are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To make a donation to OMM, mail it to P.O. Box 1294, Pearl City, HI 96782 or contact J.P. Orias at 387-8297.