WCDO Radio News

Last Year, Hurricane Maria plowed through Puerto Rico, making public health conditions for the survivors very poor, with a 1 major Hospital being destroyed, and chronically ill patients are still struggling to get the care they need. 4 Members of Bassett Hospital will be going to Puerto Rico Saturday for about a week; Dr. Celeste Johns is one of the 4:

(Dr. Celeste Johns 9-21-18)

Dr. Chris Kjolhede (Coal-Heed), a Bassett pediatrician is also going:

(Dr. Chris Kjolhede 9-21-18)

Along with Drs Johns & Kjolhede, registered nurses Anna Buell & Rachel Gaston from Bassett will make the trip along with 8 other volunteers from around New York State.

Nearly a year after Hurricane Maria plowed through Puerto Rico, public health conditions are still poor and access to basic health care is limited. Maria was a Category 4 hurricane, a Hospital was destroyed, and chronically ill patients are still struggling to get the care they need. Waterborne and infectious diseases continue to rise, and the mental health crisis Puerto Rico faced before Maria has worsened. 4 representatives will be going to Puerto Rico later this month to assist, according to Nurse Anna Buell:

(Anna Buell 9-12-18)

The Bassett staff will include Buell, Dr. Celeste Johns, chief of Psychiatry; Dr. Chris Kjolhede (Coal-Heed), a pediatrician, and registered nurse Rachel Gaston along with 8 other volunteers from New York State.