Executive Director's Message

Our Global Society

In 2005, I realize more than ever that we live in a global society. Last month the worst natural disaster of mass destruction resonated around the world.  An earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale caused tsunami waves that hit Southern Asia and Africa’s eastern coast with 3,000 miles of waves. The tsunami was 10,000 times more powerful then the Hiroshima bomb, destroyed parts of 12 countries and took over 175,000 lives from over 50 different countries. The unpredictable and deadly loss of human lives was beyond anyone’s comprehension. Without notice, thousands of people were swept away in the waters’ tumultuous rage and the tragic loss of individual lives, their family members’ lives, and in some instances generations of families were gone.

The world opened up its arms to help. Mankind came together in unison. People from every country aided in looking through the rubble for survivors. Mass burials were held for the thousands that did not make it through the waters’ rage.

Growing up my world was Des Moines. In college my world became the USA. Today my world is global.  We are no longer citizens of just where we live, but citizens of the world.  Communication, travel, and technology have made us global. Travel, (the reason so many counties were part of the death toll) and technology (web listing of the thousands of missing, tracking any information that came in on them to share with the family members) changed the way we deal with tragedy.

Across the world we watched in horror and sadness, praying that the people would receive the help and medical care they needed to prevent more death and disease. Global relief efforts were immediate. Food, medications, and camps for the millions of homeless people were provided. Money and clothing came quickly from all parts of the world. Doctors from nearby countries came to assist with the thousands of wounded that needed immediate medical care. Doctors from around the world made arrangements to take time off and assist in the massive undertaking. They provided medical care and hygiene to people sleeping in streets without clean water or food.  Doctors participated through Doctors Without Borders, churches, Red Cross, the World Health Organization and many other organizations to assist in medical care, equipment or money to help in the relief. 

The doctors in Polk and Warren County are also providing global care to people in our own communities. The demographics in Des Moines and Central Iowa have changed over the years with residents from all parts of the world. These patients come to the doctor’s offices clinics, and hospitals, sometimes with multiple family members, language and customs barriers, and no means of payment. Our free clinics provide care to the Sudanese, Asian, Hispanic, Bosnian, Latvian, Russian, and people from more countries than we have space to mention, each having multiple dialects within their nationality. The challenge for doctors is to be able to communicate with patients, meet their medical needs, and help them secure the medical care they need to prevent disease in their own communities.

Think about it…..just a few things in life are really important. When disasters such as the tsunami hit we know that what matters is food, shelter, water and good health. We are so appreciative of the doctors around the world and here at home who continue to provide the medical care that allows us all to live healthy lives.