News From The Clinic - Fall 2025 - Somos Amigos

News From The Clinic – Fall 2025

Our October team was able to dodge Tropical Storm Melissa as she was brewing in the Southern Caribbean. Still, we “enjoyed” a couple of those downpours that our volunteers will remember, with the road in front of the clinic resembling a small stream.

A highlight of the week was being able to welcome more than two dozen new patients. We do this based on our capacity and how many open appointment slots are available in the week. When we are able to receive new patients, we first go to our Council of Community Representatives and ask those representatives to identify members in their respective communities who would benefit from our care. This is another example of the true partnership we enjoy with our host community and the surrounding communities.

In our lab last week, under the skillful eye of Claribel, our Bio-analyst, a total of 506 lab tests were performed. With the generosity of our donors, through the years we have been able to assemble an impressive collection of sophisticated lab machines. We are so proud of our diagnostic capabilities and the implications for more refined and immediate care for our patients.

All in all, it was another extraordinary week thanks to our dedicated volunteers, our Dominican partners, and our local team. We are grateful for your support.

Frank Brightwell

Services

  • Over 500 lab test performed
  • Dispensed over 2,600 prescriptions
  • Welcomed 29 new patients!

Our Team

  • 13 Dominican Partners
  • 6 Physicians
  • 5 Dentists, 1 hygienist
  • 1 Bioanalyst

Dominican Partner Spotlight: Esmeralda De La Rosa

I am a physician, and one of the best experiences I have had so far in my career has been participating in Somos Amigos, being able to help, with my presence and knowledge, people with limited resources who face serious health challenges.

Each consultation, every conversation, every word exchanged with a patient teaches you that we all have so much to give and share. That’s what it’s all about — Somos Amigos not just an organization, it’s a community, it’s a big family.

Thank you to Somos Amigos for giving me the opportunity to contribute a little to the great work you pursue.

Volunteer Spotlight: Hope Hutton

Why do I keep coming to El Naranjito?

To experience grace in its purest form — people coming together as a whole to share warmth and goodness. No whining, no lamenting — just extraordinary individuals, both volunteers and community members, who enrich my life.


Upcoming Trips

Winter 2026

January 10-17, 2026

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Spring 2026

April 11-18, 2026

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Summer 2026

July 11-18, 2026

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Our Patient’s Experience

I have been coming to this clinic for so many years that I can’t even remember how long it’s been.

I am very satisfied with the clinic. I thank God for everything they have given me. If it weren’t for this clinic, I would have already died.

This clinic has meant everything to me.

Juan Gómez