Frank Brightwell, Founder and Director of Somos Amigos Medical Missions, served as a guest lecturer for the class Global Issues in Health and Disease (HAPP 398) March 26, 2007. What began 20 years ago as a 6 week service experience for affluent Montgomery County high school prep boys (for which Mr. Brightwell served as a guidance counselor) Somos Amigos has grown into a biannual medical mission serving the community of El Naranjito, Dominican Republic. Starting this year, the mission trips will increase to three times per year.

Each medical mission consists of six physicians, six dentists, and a cadre of 40+ volunteers who, in less than five days, service close to 1000 patients in this remote, economically poor and underdeveloped region. While in El Naranjito, volunteers live in the homes of the community members providing a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people. Evident is the satisfaction of giving with volunteers returning year after year to provide service.

Conversational Spanish language skills are prerequisite for most volunteer jobs with Somos Amigos but Mr. Brightwell emphasized that the greatest quality one must possess is the desire to serve all with dignity and respect.

For more information regarding Somos Amigos please contact Mr. Frank Brightwell at fbrightwell@hotmail.com or check the website http://somosamigos.org/