Continuity of medical care is essential to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. However, lack of availability for testing can be a significant obstacle for many patients. Although there is no specific data on the number of people who discontinue medical care due to this limitation, a group of volunteers from the Caleb Mission of the Adventist Church in Kindergarten, in Espírito Santo, Brazil, found partners for a service project that carried out more than 1,500 free laboratory tests. 

With the collaboration of three laboratories, Caleb Mission volunteers organized local church rooms for services and prepared breakfast.

Silvana Santos, owner of one of the laboratories, says, "Donating our time and our gifts is a way of transforming lives, including our own."

"By helping others, we also help to build a more caring, compassionate, and humane world, where we can leave 'marks forever,' as the theme [of Caleb Mission] says this year." 

Exams that Impact 

"The presence of three private laboratories highlights the importance of initiatives like this to build a healthier society," said Felipe Battisti, from Laboratório Battisti.

In addition to the tests performed there, such as lipid profile, blood sugar, blood count, and urea, other more expensive tests were performed at a 50% discount. 

Among the more than 100 people who stopped by from 5:30 in the morning onwards, Renilda moved many with her story. After years of fighting depression and going from one medication and treatment to another, she met the Adventist professionals and there.

"I felt welcomed", she said. 

Obtaining tests was very expensive, she notes. Then she discovered that local Adventists could help her during the service project in São Gabriel da Palha.

Renilda was able to obtain tests of charge.

The project was also highlighted in the local press .

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.