Taking care of your health is essential to maintain your vigor and improve your appearance. However, not everyone has access to quality medical service. Noting this need, Instituto Água Viva, in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), set up a small medical center with dental, clinical, psychological, and psychiatric care, all free for low-income people.
Consultations were offered from June 3–6 in Juazeiro, Bahia. The clinic saw ten patients a day to avoid contamination by COVID-19. The community of Residencial Itaberaba was awarded the services, and the residents were happy with the reception. “It is very difficult and time-consuming to get this service through the SUS, and we are happy with the support you are giving me and the community,” said Genilson Gomes, a resident that participated in the program.
Due to the lack of more accessible dental care, tooth decay and other oral problems have been growing in large, needy communities. “Because these people cannot afford to look for a good dentist, there are several procedures that they need to undergo. The situation is so serious that the most recurrent cases are tooth extraction,” said Bruna Silva Malta, an orthodontist and volunteer.
Solidarity and Gratitude
Patients at the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Psychiatric Hospital also benefited from the action. Pastor Cleiton Motta, president of the Adventist Church for northern Bahia, visited the sanatorium, where he delivered books about hope and prayed with local officials. The institution's financial director, Renan Teixeira, thanked the Adventist Church, along with Instituto Água Viva, for their solidarity. “I thank God and you for your contribution to helping vulnerable people. Thank you to the president of the Adventist Church for your prayers and collaboration,” he said.
More than 25 families from Juazeiro benefited from food cards. Each family received a card with R$120 for grocery purchases during the month of June and another R$120 that will be deposited in the month of July, totaling R$240 of benefit for families in the region.
ADRA volunteers conducted all the mobile clinic visits and other services offered to the people. “There are very needy communities, with people who have many needs, and there is no quality public service unless it is paid for. I believe that all these services will benefit many people who need physical and spiritual healing,” said Joel de Oliveira, a volunteer.
This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site
