August 31 ‐ September 14th, 2014

There has been a complication and development over the Brazilian-bound container, which arrived in Port over a week ago. Brazilian trade regulations have determined that even though our shipment is a donation, it will be subject to lengthy paperwork issues involving US original company sources, and substantially greater expense. The recommendation by our hosts is that with their help, we donate that container to another country.
Professor Nina, of the Sao Luis cardiovascular center has been working extremely hard to make this mission a success and is asking for us to come to his own existing unit in Sao Luis, instead. This is a well-established university program, but the hospital has had considerable staff changes, so they are pleading that we offer our expertise there, for THIS year’s visit. For further information see: www.huufma.br.

“Currently it has 573 beds distributed into two units: General Hospital (for adult CVS) and Mothers & Children’s Hospital (for pediatric). The Hospital is 100% public and funded by the Federal Government. More than 50% of our staff was replaced in the last 18 months. So they are desperate for training. Your visit will be a great opportunity to train them and also to set up our pediatric CVS unit at the Children’s Hospital. We’ve been operating on children for many years in the General Hospital because of the lacking of training and motivation of the staff from the Children’s hospital. Therefore, this will be a tremendous opportunity to change this scenario”. – Professor Nina

Mission work requires flexibility and ability to transition quickly. We are excited to help Professor Nina with his staff educational needs and support the programs of both the University and the Children’s Hospitals.

Touring:

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The language is Portuguese, with 20% speaking English in the hospital. The Maranhao state has a rich, diversity of natural wonders in Brazil and it possesses the major coral bank of South America, rainforest, littoral, reeves, natural fences, and many tributaries of the Amazon. The area has one of the most amazing ecosystems of the world that contains thousands of crystalline drinking water lakes. Moreover, it also possesses a sea of dunes that covers 70 kilometers of coast. The National Park of Lençois Maranhenses, coastal trips and other adventures are very worth considering. Internal ﬂights to the world heritage site and spectacular Iguazu falls, to Rio Janiero and other world heritage site locations are fairly inexpensive. CardioStart mission leaders cannot directly help you make internal tourist travel arrangements but you can usually obtain travel packages during the week you arrive. Any tours must be conducted AFTER the mission; CardioStart assumes no responsibility after September 13th.

Personal Health:

Malaria, Leprosy, Dengue, TB, & H1-‐N1 are important diseases in Brazil and reasonable precautions should be made – especially, if you have a previous or brazil7 current condition which might imperil your immune response. Hepatitis A & tetanus boosters should be obtained in any case. Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid; Yellow Fever, and Schistosomiasis are also potential threats to your health. You no longer need a Yellow Fever certificate before travel. We suggest you follow CDC advisories before planning the mission. All volunteer activity in the hospital or Outreach areas will be carried out adopting universal precautionary measures, where possible. You should have a routine check-‐up before travel of your HIV and Hepatitis a/b/c status. Vaccinations should be reviewed and documented by your local travel clinic in good ;me. Those with serious medical conditions should obtain consultation and approval from their doctor prior to the mission. You will also be required to either purchase travel medical insurance or proof of medical coverage out of your home country. (Full details will be sent to those volunteers joining this mission).