Nursing News:
Northwest Medical Teams return from Iraq

Three medical volunteers who served with Northwest Medical Teams on the first team into Iraq returned to the Pacific Northwest this week after caring for families with little access to health care and no medical supplies. The team also worked and trained Iraqi health care providers in local hospitals.
Dr. Catlin Goss, a Seattle surgeon; Jackie Gust, a Portland nurse with Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital & Medical Clinic; and Scott Gotter, a paramedic/firefighter with the Portland Fire Bureau, were part of the first group of U.S. volunteers to get approval from the Turkish government to cross into Iraq. A second team of volunteers from Northwest Medical Teams crossed into Iraq last Friday.
Under the direction of the Ministry of Health in Iraq, the volunteers were invited to help villagers in the area of Gwer, a city under the former control of Saddam's regime. The people of Gwer and in the surrounding communities have experienced years of neglect and lack of medical services.
Critically needed antibiotics, surgical kits, bandages, syringes and IV supplies were distributed in the area of Erbil in northern Iraq. The supplies helped nearly 20,000 people for one month.
Northwest Medical Teams' staff in Iraq report the need for comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction in the country. Northwest Medical Teams plans to send volunteers and medical supplies during the next six months to help rebuild the health care system in villages and hospitals.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or just want to find out more about volunteering please call NWMT at 503-624-1000.