Submitted by Providence
Two local Providence caregivers volunteered to improve outcomes in neurotrauma care in Sucre, Bolivia. Neurosurgeon Dr. Barbara Lazio and neuro critical care nurse Francis Moore, RN, were part of 11 U.S. health professionals and 7 Bolivian medical students volunteering with the Neurosurgery & Neurology Institute (NNI) of Solidarity Bridge.
This Mission trip, November 6 – 11, was the beginning of a long-term partnership with Hospital Santa Barbara in Sucre. Head trauma from traffic accidents, falls or violence is a pressing health care issue for Bolivia’s public hospitals, often leading to death or disability.
The NNI team’s goal is to reduce death or disability from traumatic brain or spine injuries in the next few years. “Our hope always is that they eventually will outgrow their need for our assistance,” said Lazio, “We look forward to returning in the coming years to build on what we have learned this trip.”
Together, the international colleagues shared universal best practices and found areas for strengthening and collaboration.
Lazio and Moore’s work abroad represents the Providence “Vision of Health for a Better World” and is an expression of their dedication to the Mission.
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