Inaugural US Air Force LAMAT24 mission concludes successfully in St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis: The inaugural U.S. Air Force Southern Command Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2024 mission in St Kitts and Nevis came to a successful end on Tuesday. Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew along with other officials hosted a closing ceremony for the team at the St Kitts Marriott Resort.

During the closing ceremony, PM Drew extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this mission possible.

From March 18 to 26, a dedicated team of medical professionals embarked on a mission of care and compassion and provided essential healthcare services to pre-selected patients across the island nation.

During their stay on the island, LAMAT hosted invaluable training sessions while empowering local medical staff with new knowledge and skills.

MSgt Lindsey Messner, an emergency medical technician working as part of the LAMAT medical assistance team at the Alexandra Hospital in St Kitts and Nevis, shared a glimpse of herself holding a three-week-old baby girl on Facebook. She said, "It was an honour to hold her."

"She was only 3 weeks old, and her mother was a young mother with little support. The mother was in distress in the emergency room, and I believe caring for her baby gave her some comfort. Even though I didn't provide the baby with direct medical care, I think we made a huge impact," she further added.

[caption id="attachment_69764" align="aligncenter" width="500"] US Air Force professionals in St Kitts[/caption]

Moreover, the United States Air Force's Lt. Col. Johnny Foster, an audiologist with the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team, also conducted hearing assessments, cleanings, and fitting hearing aids for the good people of St Kitts.

He noted, "From helping local musicians to a morning radio show host, the gift of sound helps connect us to our friends and partners."

The LAMAT 24 dental teams collaborated with local partners to bring needed care to assisted living homes in St Kitts and Nevis. While sharing glimpses of the treatment through Facebook, the officials remarked, "The ability to meet the patient where they're at can greatly contribute to their overall health and welfare."

The dental team also visited the Agri Expo in Nevis as part of the greater medical assistance mission across St Kitts and Nevis.

Along with dental professionals from Nevis, the team shared the benefits of good oral hygiene with the local community and was even greeted by the Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, who expressed his gratitude for the team and mission.

[caption id="attachment_69763" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Premier Mark Brantley greeting professionals from US Air Force (PC - Facebook)[/caption] The healthcare professionals also attended the Community Health Fair in Dieppe Bay, St Kitts and the event served as a doorway to help improve the lives of local citizens while providing health outreach.