Strengthening Bonds Through Care: The AMISTAD Campaign in El Salvador
In a remarkable display of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance, over 40 personnel from 15 units across three branches of the U.S. military participated in the AMISTAD campaign, which took place from August 19 to September 6, 2024. This initiative aimed to augment health services in various locations throughout El Salvador, showcasing the commitment of U.S. service members to not only enhance their medical readiness but also to strengthen relationships with their Salvadoran counterparts.
A Mission of Purpose
The AMISTAD campaign was designed to integrate U.S. military medical teams with the existing healthcare framework of the El Salvadoran Ministry of Health. Major Anthony Boudreau, a nurse with the U.S. Air Force and mission commander for the campaign, articulated the mission’s dual objectives: "Our purpose here was to deploy medical assistance teams to increase the medical readiness of U.S. forces and strengthen U.S. relationships in El Salvador." This initiative was not merely about providing care; it was about fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge and best practices could be exchanged.
Impactful Medical Services
During the campaign, U.S. forces from nine medical specialties conducted over 1,500 patient actions, delivering more than $100,000 worth of medical supplies to various healthcare facilities, including Hospital San Bartolo and Hospital Chalatenango. The teams provided critical support in emergency departments, mental health clinics, pediatrics wards, and optometry sections, ensuring that local healthcare providers had the resources they needed to treat patients effectively.
In addition to augmenting established healthcare facilities, the campaign also included outreach clinics that catered to citizens in surrounding communities. Service members set up temporary walk-in clinics in repurposed spaces such as schoolhouses and basketball courts, where they provided essential services like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and general medical care.
Knowledge Exchange and Training
A significant aspect of the AMISTAD campaign was the emphasis on knowledge exchange between U.S. service members and Salvadoran healthcare professionals. Various training sessions were conducted, including Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) courses. These sessions were designed to equip local healthcare providers with advanced skills to manage complex medical situations.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrea Blake led the ATLS course, focusing on the rapid assessment and stabilization of multiply injured patients. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Adriane Bell conducted the ALSO course, which provided training on managing childbirth complications. These hands-on training sessions utilized mannequins and real-world scenarios to enhance learning outcomes.
Additionally, Capt. Diana Trang from the 60th Medical Group demonstrated the utility of point-of-care ultrasound technology, further enriching the training experience for local healthcare providers. The collaboration allowed for a meaningful exchange of resources and techniques, ultimately benefiting both nations’ healthcare systems.
Addressing Mental Health Needs
Recognizing the importance of mental health, U.S. Air Force mental health specialists organized a symposium to introduce an emerging model of mental healthcare known as the Primary Care Behavioral Health Model. This innovative approach integrates behavioral services into primary care clinics, aiming to improve the overall health of communities. Lt. Col. Levi Cole emphasized the parallels between the challenges faced in the U.S. and those in El Salvador, suggesting that this model could be beneficial for local healthcare clinics.
Bridging Communication Gaps
Throughout the AMISTAD campaign, communication barriers were addressed to ensure effective patient care. Many patients and providers spoke only English or Spanish, necessitating the use of translators at each location. Senior Airman Alexandra Albis, a public health technician and translator, noted the overwhelming gratitude expressed by patients for the presence of U.S. service members, who were often asked when they would return to provide further care.
Building Lasting Relationships
The AMISTAD campaign exemplifies how humanitarian missions can foster lasting relationships between nations. Major Boudreau highlighted the importance of understanding partner nations’ capabilities, stating that such missions prepare embedded health engagement teams to respond more effectively to public health crises in the region. By treating the mission as a deployment operation, U.S. service members coordinated with various medical providers and technicians, showcasing their commitment to making a difference.
On the final day of the campaign, Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Kim addressed the team, expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication. "You helped local communities, and please know that you made a difference to the beautiful country of El Salvador," he said, encapsulating the spirit of the AMISTAD campaign.
Conclusion
The AMISTAD campaign stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing healthcare needs and strengthening international ties. Through their dedicated efforts, U.S. service members not only provided essential medical care but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships that will continue to benefit both nations. As the campaign concluded, the echoes of gratitude from the Salvadoran people served as a reminder of the profound impact that compassion and cooperation can have on communities around the world.
