Jennifer Everett of Franklin Township recently helped doctors treat medical conditions of 500 people living in Ghana during a recent mission trip.

In Ghana, she helped set up a medical and dental clinic, using supplies that students at Drexel University had collected and raised money to purchase.They bought antibiotics, antiparasitic medicine, analgesics, cough and cold supplies, ear, eyes, and nose medications, dietary supplements, gastroenterology supplies, medication to treat allergies, topical treatment medications, as well as first aid equipment.Everett, a 2010 graduate of Lehighton Area High School, is a senior at Drexel University where she is majoring in international business and economic development.She was selected to serve as a member of the Drexel University Global Brigade, a nonprofit organization, which provides a chance for students to apply their professional passions and ambition to those less fortunate, in areas across the globe.The mission gave Everett the opportunity to learn more about the issues taking place throughout the world at large, while learning more about herself, a new culture, and what she is truly capable of doing.Within four days, Everett had helped treat over 500 residents of the village and surrounding area who had come to the clinic for help.First, each patient met with a doctor for a consultation.From this point, they could be directed to the dentist, OBGYN doctor, or physical therapist.While waiting for their prescription to be filled at the pharmacy that the mission operated, they learned about sexual health at a public health forum."I had the opportunity to work in all stations and I would choose doctor consultation as my favorite," she said. "The first thing the Ghanaian doctor told me was to look at the patient as they walked up to the table."She saw ringworm, open wounds, signs of malnutrition, but many of the patients had written on their paper was back pain."We treated everyone with the medication we had and referred others to hospitals that we could not help," she said."The reality is, they will probably never go to the hospital to be treated and those that we gave medicine will run out in a month or two and will have to wait until the next medical clinic comes six months from now."Everett said she realized that even though we felt that our actions were not enough, the people of Adansemaim were so thankful that we could relieve their pains even if only temporarily.As a student studying International Area Studies at Drexel University, Everett has spent many terms evaluating the effectiveness of foreign aid and non-profits."After going beyond what I have read in the classroom, my experience has taught me that these programs are worth it. There are certainly ways that we can improve them and I hope that in the future, I can contribute to those changes."Everett is the daughter of Dr. Michael and Sandra Everett of Franklin Township.