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INTEGRIS Health Physicians Join with National Football League Players on Mission Trip to Nigeria
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Former University of Oklahoma football standout, Tommie Harris of the Chicago Bears, along with teammates, Israel Idonije and Adewale Ogunleye, Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants, and Amobi Okoye of the Houston Texans recruited INTEGRIS Health and INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital physicians and nurses that accompanied them on a mission trip to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.
The Nigerian mission, lasted for nine days and began on March 20. The trip is being funded by the Israel Idonije's Foundation and in part by a restricted medical missions grant made to the INTEGRIS Foundation. No money from our general funds was used for this endeavor.
The players, who have family ties to Africa, began returning to Nigera to promote education, self-preservation, humanitarianism, leadership and awareness to an African nation lacking necessary resources. The trip included good works like digging water wells, and donating uniforms, equipment, books and supplies to students.
The athletes and physicians helped expand the programs started in 2008 by providing medical screenings and treatment for malaria and other treatable diseases. The physicians and nurses worked side by side with Nigerian doctors and nurses in clinics to get an appreciation of local problems in both the hospital and community. In addition to providing medication and treatment services, INTEGRIS health care providers mentored local physicians on how to effectively use equipment and care for patients. Pediatrics, obstetric, gynecologic, physical therapy, internal and emergency care and infectious disease services were all provided. Nurses conducted education and awareness symposiums with community leaders and lay health workers.
Twelve members of the INTEGRIS staff participated in the mission: Dr. Marilyn Appiah, OB-GYN, Dr. Patrice Aston, Pediatrician, George Anianpan Bampoe, RN, Dr. Johnny Griggs, INTEGRIS Baptist Pediatric Intensive Care Unit medical director, Dr. Sonja Hughes, OB-GYN, Albert Dzani Mensa Kotey, RN, Dr. Amal E. Moorad, INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation medical director, Tara Moore, RN, Dr. Okey Nwokolo, Pediatrician, Isaac Olajide O., RN, Sharon Sue Smeltzer, INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe physical therapist and Avilla Williams, President INTEGRIS Health Edmond.
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INTEGRIS Foundations
3030 NW Expressway
Suite 1600
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Main Number
405-951-5005 Toll Free
(888) 567-3433 Fax
(405) 951-5035 |
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