Karibu “Welcome” and Likizo Njema “Happy Holidays” from the Virginia Wright Health Center VWHC in Kapkemich, Kenya!
A letter from Dr. Guy A. Williams MD
Welcome, Guy Williams, New Medical Director!
Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today with a heart full of gratitude and excitement as I reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to our past donors, volunteers, dedicated staff, and board of advisors for their tireless commitment.
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting St. Anne’s School and the Virginia Wright Healthcare Center, and I am thrilled to report that the progress being made there is nothing short of remarkable. Our collective efforts have yielded significant accomplishments that have already made a profound difference in the community:
- Improved Medical Transportation: Patients are no longer transported to medical centers on motorcycles; now, they have access to an ambulance service.
- Comfortable accommodations for traveling guests: The guest house, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, has been fully finished and furnished.
- Expanded Healthcare Facilities: We have successfully completed the construction of a new addition, featuring inpatient beds and a delivery suite, and the new pharmacy building, which is now fully operational.
- Government Certification: Our clinic, pharmacy, and laboratory have received government certification, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of care.
- Kenya National Health Insurance Plan: I am delighted to share that our clinic is now approved to accept the Kenya National Health Insurance plan, making healthcare services more accessible to the community.
In addition to these accomplishments, our collaboration with a water company has transformed the initially drilled well into an efficient water purification system, further improving the overall well-being of the community. The transformation from a barren dirt field to a site accommodating five new buildings is nothing short of miraculous, and it is all thanks to the incredible generosity of donors like you. Your contributions have been truly transformative, and we remain sincerely grateful for the lasting impact you have had on this community.
During my travels to and from the healthcare center, I had the privilege of engaging in conversations with locals. I shared pictures of the healthcare center, and their responses were both heartwarming and inspiring. My driver, for instance, expressed his family’s desire to donate land for us to build a healthcare center in his village. Similarly, my waiter offered 10 acres of land because his village community is in dire need of healthcare. These gestures of support from the people of Kenya underscore the appreciation, welcome, and pressing need for the services we provide.
Once again, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support and belief in our mission. Your generosity is the driving force behind our success, and we look forward to making even greater strides together in the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Guy A. Williams MD
Updates from the Virginia Wright Health Clinic:
With the expansion of our clinic and the broader range of services we offer, we have seen a significant increase in patient visits, reaching more than 325 per month almost doubling since the first 8 months of 2023.
This increase in patient flow has brought about a growing number of insured patients. However, it has also placed a strain on our current supplies and professional staff. Our most pressing need currently is donations for staff salaries. Our goal is to be self-sustaining operationally, but until then it is critical that we help provide for salaries.
What lies ahead, you may wonder?
Our answer is simple: continued collaboration. We firmly believe that working together is the key to advancing our endeavors!
In addition to salaries, we have identified 3 additional areas where your support remains indispensable:
- Shortage of Medical Equipment: The establishment of our new inpatient and maternity ward has highlighted the need for essential medical equipment.
- Increased Collaboration: The VWHC is actively exploring collaborations with US-based healthcare institutions to offer medical opportunities for students, faculty, and staff from medical and dental schools, as well as research opportunities for master’s in public health programs.
- Certification and Expansion: Ideally, the clinic staff would like to provide comprehensive services so that patients can receive their care without referral to other health facilities. As we look to 2024, we hope to provide services that are not readily accessible including: a Dental And Eye clinic, Imaging – Ultrasound and X-ray, and updated laboratory services. We will continue to drive towards the goal of obtaining certification as a hospital.
Priscilla Muthoni Mathenge, Social Worker
New Behavioral Health Program
In August of this year, we received a grant from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth to address the increase in cases of mental health, domestic violence, and child abuse in the Kapkepmich area. A social worker, Priscilla, has now been employed as a part of our team. She will be responsible for identifying people and communities in need of help. In addition to developing, organizing, and conducting programming to prevent and solve problems relevant to substance abuse, she will carry out counseling across Nandi County.
Seeking Your Support
The Scriptures teach us: “Freely ye shall give, and freely ye shall receive.”
While we are actively exploring various avenues to secure the necessary funding and resources to fulfill these vital requirements, your individual donation of support is invaluable in this journey.
Donate Today!
We ask you to consider the VWHC in your year-end planning and donate today!
Once again, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support and belief in our mission. Your generosity is the driving force behind our success, and we look forward to making even greater strides together in the future!
