CCU study abroad students visit Barbados to donate to hospital
The visit, a weeklong cultural immersion, was a study abroad program offered by CCU's Office of International Programs and Services.
The audience with Prime Minister Stuart was designed to initiate a preliminary dialogue between CCU and the nation of Barbados to determine how the two entities might enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship, according to John Yanessa, chair of Coastal's Department of Health Science.
"The Queen Elizabeth Hospital serves the entire nation of Barbados in the West Indies. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the Hospital has world-class staff, but is critically low on pediatric supplies," said Yanessa. "One of the primary goals … was to help our students see public health and medical delivery from an international perspective."
The Coastal Carolina donations included much needed infant supplies, including diapers, wipes, onesies, bibs, and baby bottles."
"This was such a life-changing experience for me," said Christina Auth, a health promotion major and Swain Scholar from New York. "I am really interested in global public health issues, and specifically issues effecting maternal and child health. I am so happy we were able to donate these supplies to those in need."
In addition to the hospital, the students also visited with the Barbados Diabetes Foundation, the Barbados Heart and Stroke Foundation, lectures at the University of the West Indies, as well as an audience with the Barbados Minister of Health.
Procuring an audience with Prime Minister Stuart was a real feat and high honor, according to Yanessa. "There are many natural cultural ties between Barbados and the people of South Carolina. It is in this spirit that we plan for future initiatives that will benefit both the people of Barbados and the communities and students whom Coastal Carolina University serves."
Future activities between Coastal Carolina University and the Nation of Barbados are planned.