Healthcare providers here in America seem to have their hands full with the patients they are treating on a daily basis in their local communities. There are a number of them, however, who are also interested in helping on a more global scale. All around the world there are children who don’t have access to the help that modern healthcare could offer them. These kids around the world need help, and we are one of the countries with the capability to help both them, and ourselves. Here are a few steps that you can follow to get involved in this global relief effort, whether or not you are a healthcare professional yourself.
Help From Afar
The life of a young professional, whether in the healthcare world or outside of it, can be a little hectic. With all the things there are to see and do, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. That being said, there is almost always enough time to spare for those in need if you have the willingness to find it. One way that just about anyone can contribute to help kids across the world is by making donations. These donations don’t have to be financial either, but can be just about anything.
There are not-for-profit organizations like the Red Cross that have set up relief efforts in third world countries and are constantly in need of money and supplies to help them with their work. Donating to an organization like this allows you to make an impact on the lives of your fellow man without needing to leave your country or quit your job to do it. Of course, there’s often not a good way to ensure that what you donate is used for the specified purpose, so it’s important to only give to a reputable organization Spend some time doing your research on a company and their reputation before you give.
Volunteer Programs
Another idea for those who want to help abroad is to participate in a volunteer program. This is a great option for people who may not necessarily have the funds to travel to different locations and provide for themselves. There are thousands of programs out there that are helping and making a difference in the world. Some of them, such as Doctors Without Borders (DWB), are specifically for healthcare professionals to go and provide hands on care for people in need. Others, like Help International, are for laypeople who don’t need to have any experience in the medical field.
These volunteer programs are meant to bring health care and other services to impoverished populations around the world. The experience is personally enriching and helps others at the same time. It’s also much easier to see the direct result of your service than when you make a donation. If you have the time to take off work, going to help out in a volunteer program is something that everyone should think of doing at least once.
Helping the Indigenous
Currently there are more than 370 million members of indigenous tribal populations still living around the world. Many of these populations have remained separate from the modern civilizations and societies around them, and consequently some of these suffer from poor health conditions. Modernizing the health care of people in these indigenous settlements is not always easy. Many of them still hold to historical healing methods, or carry superstitions about technology. Health care providers can help both modernize these people’s thoughts on medicine and improve their health simply by spending some time teaching and working with them.
There are even needs in these communities that have gone unaddressed here on our own continent, and in our own nation. The biggest demographic in these groups in need of healthcare is children. While anyone can help make a difference in these lives, there is especially a need for those with a pediatric nurse practitioner certification or other pediatric specialty. If you fall into this category, take some time to study up on your local indigenous populations.
Disaster Relief
Emergencies can happen at any time, which is why it is important to prepare. There are countless programs out there meant to help countries dealing with a disaster. One example is the Medical Teams International Humanitarian Response team, which asks all personnel to be ready to leave within 24 to 48 hours after initial contact. It is a good way to be helpful when people most need it, and you do not have to be away from your home all the time.
These are just some of the ways you can help children suffering across the world. Of course, most of this advice has been centered on helping children in third world countries. No matter where you live, there are likely children who are suffering or in need of help. You don’t always need to travel to make a difference. Take the time to learn about child suffering, and you will already be more equipped to help end it.