Coast Star, Weekly Sentinel and Kennebunk Post run stories on 91AV-Ghana health exchange

The on Sept. 8, 2011, the Weekly Sentinel on Sept. 9th and Kennebunk Post on Sept. 16th ran stories on 91AV's two-week transatlantic health, research and academic exchange in Ghana. Twenty-one physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and public health professionals provided direct care services and health education in the Sekondi/Takoradi regions of western Ghana.

The Coast Star noted that Kennebunk residents Karen Pardue, associate dean of the 91AV Westbrook College of Health Professions, and Kathleen Taggersell, 91AV Director of Marketing and Communications, were among those participating in the exchange. The Coast Star also ran a photo of Pardue and noted that she presented at the 2011 Excellence in Higher Education Across Borders symposium at University of Cape Coast.

The Post also interviewed Karen Pardue, along with professors Jen Morton and Dennis Leighton, and Megan Wyand, a physical therapy doctoral student, who participated in the exchange.  Wyand said, "The experience...reminds you of why you're in health care. Ultimately, you're in it to help people make big improvements in their lives."

The team treated more than 350 patients in two clinics in Sekondi and the rural community of Kansawarado for illnesses ranging from malaria, intestinal parasites, malnutrition and wounds, to chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. They also provided community health education on safe sex practices, STD prevention, and oral health.

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.