By Pfc. Kostandina Tsagaris
KIRKUK, Iraq - First platoon showed up with a trailer full of medical supplies that were donated by the World Health Organization, which collects donations from several different organizations throughout the world.
Spc. Jonathan Valadez of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2/3rd FA also picked up a requested list of medical supplies from Dr. Husain, dentist and clinic manager of the Laylan Clinic.
1st Lt. Raul Villalobos also of HHB, 2/3rd FA said he will do his best to incorporate the Government of Iraq's involvement to deliver everything requested on the list.
The clinic, though very small, provides many functions. This 22 room clinic contained a health center, laboratory, dental clinic, pharmacy, an emergency room and a six-bed urgent care room.
The clinic also included a classroom that is used for group lectures and medical instructions for patients, i.e. what to expect during pregnancy. The clinic employs three doctors, three dentists, and 24 nurses.
"The supplies are good and they are helpful," said third year dentist intern Farci Paled, "We thank the United States and the World Health Organization for donating the supplies."
According to 1st Lt. Villalobos, because of the services this clinic offers to the citizens of the Laylan Sub-District, he will be looking into more avenues to include organizations within Iraq itself and the GOI, in order to continue helping the clinic.
Additionally, Villalobos also said they plan to bring donated hospital equipment and instruments to the clinic to assist the medical practitioners.
Bravo Battery ended the day with their signature gesture – distributing Beanie Babies. Sgt. 1st Class Michael Higgins of HHB, 2/3rd FA gave Dr. Hussain two boxes full of Beanie Babies to pass out to the small children that come through the clinic.