Members of the 30th Medical Group from Vandenberg Air Force Base will be taking part in a humanitarian air mission to provide medical care to rural areas of Costa Rica.
According to a press release from the base’s public affairs office, the 30th Medical Group, along with specialists from Lackland and Bolling Air Force bases, will provide basic and specialty care in a joint effort with Costa Rican medical professionals to people living in remote areas of the country.
The medical group will be using several local schools to set up temporary clinics.
Sgt. Lori Mills, a spokesperson for the base, said providing logistical support is a key component of the mission.
“It’s not a about a lack of care—they have very good medical care there,” Mills said. “It’s the logistics and ability to get people into the area. Costa Rican doctors want to take the care out to them, and that’s a big job.”
Because local schools will be used, the 30th Medical Group is collecting supplies for Costa Rican children. Community members can donate new school supplies or new to lightly used sports equipment. Donations can be dropped off at the Santa Maria or Lompoc chambers of commerce.
The 30th Medical Group departs for its two-week mission on May 16.
This article appears in Apr 2-9, 2009.
