STEER Program, Laredo |
The two weeks long STEER rotation in Laredo provided me an excellent opportunity to learn and comprehend the environmental and health issues of people residing at the Texas border areas. The entire rotation comprised of activities that directly or indirectly related to the health, nutritional status and overall well being of people living with limited resources in the region. By being a part of this rotation, I was able to compare the existing conditions in Colonia with other developing countries that I have visited. From food and medical assistance to community resources, from disease management through native medicinal practices to quality and system of water supply, the STEER rotation offered a plethora of firsthand knowledge that enabled me to fully comprehend and appreciate the living conditions in the Rio Grande valley. For me, as a future dietitian, the most important thing is to possess a passion to serve. I witnessed this passion in many people who are serving the Rio Grande community. Even though they serve with limited resources, their unlimited passion overcomes all barriers and that is what I consider the crux of service. Following are some highlightsof my rotation: · Learned about the counseling techniques used by Promotoras to provide community health services as part of Gateway Clinic Health Services. · Visited Mercy Ministry of Laredo and learned about the health services and medical assistance provided by promotoras and other health professionals to the Colonia residents. · Learned about the ecological environment of Rio Grande valley and the mechanisms of water system. I had the opportunity to examine the water quality in up and downstream Rio Grande and learn about the bacterial and toxic hazards found in Rio Grande. · Learned about different microbes and bacteria that effect the residents of Colonia and Mexico. · Learned about the sewer system in Colonia and common hazards involved with improper sewer system. · Learned about the USDA’s protocols and procedures of import and export of produce, meat and dairy at the border region and USDA’s cold food storage facilities. · Visited USDA’s facility for pests and endangered species’ control at the international bridge and learned about the effects of pests on US crops. · Attended a nature hike to learn about the local plants and the complimentary medicinal practices utilizing herbs and native plants.
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