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Comfort Opens Doors, Nearly 400 Treated

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070625-17
Release Date: 6/25/2007 5:07:00 PM

From USNS Comfort Public Affairs

BELIZE CITY, Belize (NNS) -- Medical personnel from the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Canadian forces and Project Hope assigned to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) began screenings and treatments for nearly 400 patients at various sites in Belize on June 22.

The first wave of patients to be treated aboard the Comfort arrived around noon and medical procedures continued throughout the day and night, ending around midnight.

Of the nearly 400 patients treated, more than 180 of them were medical cases.

“Our goal is to treat as many people as we can,” said Capt. Bob Kapcio, Comfort mission commander. “Circumstances can change, but we strive to be as flexible as possible to make sure we’re helping who and where we can.”

Care provided included adult medicine, pediatrics, optometry, dermatology, medical services, preventative medicine and dental care. Those treated involved citizens of all ages, ranging from children to the elderly.

“We’re here to help those who need our help the most,” said Kapcio. “We want to give them the same quality medical treatment and care that our families receive back in the U.S. -- friends helping friends, that’s what this mission is all about.”

Comfort will continue to offer the same range of services at the Valley of Peace School over the next several days. Dental care will be provided at San Pablo Roman Catholic School.

A delivery of medical supplies and equipment organized through Project Handclasp will be delivered to the San Pablo Roman Catholic School.

While the Comfort mission focuses primarily on medical and dental services, the Mobile Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202, also assigned to the Comfort, is building bicycle racks at the Valley of Peace School. Plans there include a playground, sidewalk and restroom facilities.

The battalion will also perform community projects at Double Head Cabbage School.

Belize City is the first stop on a four-month humanitarian assistance mission to Latin America and the Caribbean. Comfort will be treating approximately 85,000 people.

While deployed, the Comfort is under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and tactical control of Destroyer Squadron 24.