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General Meeting
Boquete Health and Hospice
ZOOM ONLY - NO IN PERSON
Date Wednesday, May 12th
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Due to the recommendations from MINSA, the General Meeting for Boquete Health and Hospice will be a ZOOM only meeting.Date Wednesday, May 12th
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83887079356
Meeting ID: 838 8707 9356Go to Meeting MEETING AGENDASurviving Covid-19 - Liz Bolt
Long Haul Covid Discussion - Kelly Collier
Highlights from the Council Meeting- Administrator Report
- Financials
- Respiratory
- Need a Team LeaderThe CPR training will be rescheduled.Our mailing address is: -
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Table of Contents - Don't Let Your Guard Down
- Incredible Volunteers
- Music Wellness Guide
- CPR Training Announcement
- CPR Testimonial
- Being Prepared Workshop Review
- Giving Blood in Boquete
- Next General Meeting
- The Tale of the Behemoth
- World Blood Donor Day is Coming
- Tree of Life Update
- BHH Policies
Letter from the President
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
It is easy to believe that Covid-19 is on the way to being beaten. Daily new cases have dropped from over 5000 in early January to an average of 300 in April. And while most of the vaccine is being administered in Panama City, we expect/hope it will be available in Boquete soon.
However, the virus is still active. In early April one of our members was exposed and then, unknowingly, exposed another member. Both have since tested negative. Then news was received that another one of our members and her husband had active Covid-19.
Please – wash your hands, use hand sanitizer/alcohol gel, social distance and wear masks. Showing respect for others (and yourself) is what makes Boquete such a great community.
A question was asked why Boquete Health and Hospice had started having meeting and presentations again. The short answer is that last year having a meeting was against the law and this year it is not. BHH adheres to the MINSA guidelines and keeps up to date on the CDC/WHO recommendations regarding gatherings. All of our meetings at the Animales Event Center require attendees to use the step-through tray, use alcohol gel, have their temperatures taken, remain socially distanced, wear masks and provide names, emails and phone numbers in case it becomes necessary to contact them. The building is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each event. BHH wants people to feel safe coming to the events but understands if they do not.
Database Update
The database project is moving along. Christine has returned to the states but will help us long distance. The hope is that testing will be done during April and that the database can go “live” by the end of the month. Christine has been working hard with both the Administrator Team and the Equipment Team, making sure that all their needs are taken into account.
Music Wellness Playlist Guide & Explanation
from the "Magic of Music" Team
Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. ‘Music Wellness’ is focused on tailoring your music experience to take advantage of these benefits. However, rather than just reading about the benefits of music wellness, why not try it out for yourself? The Magic of Music team at Boquete Health & Hospice has assembled a Music Wellness Guide with links to over a hundred music playlists that you can use to explore the landscape of music wellness! Backed by research from Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medical School, AARP, and the Global Council on Brain Health, our Music Wellness Guide is accompanied by an Explanation Document which briefly describes the benefits of wellness music and how to select the playlists that best suit your wellness needs. Music Wellness Guide Explanation Document We would like to hear from you regarding your experience with these music wellness playlists! Email the BHH Magic of Music Team and let us know! Email: music@boquetehospice.org
Incredible Volunteers
Two of our wonderful volunteers are going to be stepping down from their positions.
1. Merl Will-Wallace will be leaving his position as Team Leader for the Respiratory Team. But (thankfully) he will be continuing as our Treasurer. Merl joined Boquete Health and Hospice in 2015 and has been on the Respiratory Team since he joined. In addition to keeping track of BHH’s funds, he has kept track of the respiratory equipment (concentrators, cpap and bipap machines and the various other parts that are needed by patients), makes sure that the equipment is working and is sanitized before and after each use, follows up with patients making sure that all is working satisfactorily, and works with the team members making sure they are comfortable with the equipment so they can explain its use to the patients.
The Council is currently exploring ways to make the job easier. The new database will be expanded to be able to handle the respiratory equipment, keeping track of who has what piece, inventory and ordering of more of the consumables. The team will be retrained on a regular basis so that when home visits re-commence, everyone will be up-to-speed.
Merl – the entire organization thanks you for everything you have done for the respiratory team and are so happy you will continue as Treasurer.
2. Joanie Feuerstein (and her husband Will) have returned to the United States. Joanie has been one of the driving forces behind the Being Prepared Team (along with Char Lintz, Genie Vidal and Christine Kunert, Carmen Restrepo and Luis Botero). Joanie joined BHH in 2019 and jumped in by agreeing to work on the revising of the Being Prepared guide and presentations. 
A great deal of time and effort went into the preparation of the new guide, and then the presentations (most of which were cancelled in 2020 but have since recommenced. Joanie coordinated a team who spent quite a bit of time verifying the information contained in the guide. A new, updated version of the guide is now available.
Joanie’s love for the organization and the community is readily apparent and we are so thankful that she has given her time and talent to help everyone. Joanie, the entire organization is honored you have been one of our volunteers.
3. Noemi Montenegro was honored at our last General Meeting for her outstanding volunteer work during the blood drive. Thank you for assisting so many of our donors. CPR 2021 AnnouncementCouples CPR Training in MayWhen: May 12th, 2021, 2:30-3:30 pm (after the BHHF General Meeting)
Where: Animales Event Center – The Ruby McKenzie Clinic
Following Minsa’s guidelines: masks, social distancing, hand and foot sanitizing, and temperature check.
Details: Since there are only 4 mannequins and 4 training AEDs, we can only have 3 couple participants (students). Each couple will have their own mannequin and AED. The 4th set is for the instructor.
This is an abbreviated training session, even more abbreviated by Covid precautions. It will include one-man CPR, hands-on only CPR (chest compressions), use of the AED and Demonstration only of Heimlich Maneuver.
At this time, the CPR Review Course is open only to BHHF members.Register quickly as again there are only 3 couples spots available. A waiting/cancellation list will be started. If all goes well, we plan on having this class after each BHHF General Meeting each month.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Linda Archer/CPR Coordinator
rlaarcher@sbcglobal.netCouples Sign Up for the CPR Class CPR TESTIMONIAL
“I am so grateful to BHH for offering this CPR class.
It is was a great learning experience for me.
I highly recommend taking this class.
Some life could be saved by what it is learned taking this class.
Linda Archer thank you; you made the class interesting and fun.”
Yolanda Vega.Being Prepared Workshop
Dying Ain’t Easy in Panama…...However, the April Being Prepared workshop just made it easier to navigate for 40 attendees. Char Lintz (retired ICU and geriatric nurse) guided us through the step-by-step process that she recently experienced with the death of her father. 
Our job now is to complete the detailed forms, to make known our final wishes and to Be Prepared for the unexpected.
The next workshop will be held in July. But no need to wait to get your affairs in order.Being Prepared booklets are available for a $10 donation at Mailboxes, Etc. and at our BHH table at the Tuesday Tap Out Market (by the theater door). A PDF version is also available online for a $5 donation at www.boquetehealth.org Get a booklet now and follow the simple guidelines. You and your family deserve the peace of mind. Giving Blood in Boquete
A testimonial from our President, Lesley Hughes“On Saturday, March 6, I was fortunate enough to be able to donate blood at the Boquete Health and Hospice Blood Drive because I hadn’t traveled out of the country for three months.
Pre-registration was easy by email, and I was given an appointment time of 7:30 to donate.
I arrived about five minutes early and was checked in. My information was on the pre-registration sheet. I was given a number and asked to sit in a chair outside. About 3 minutes later I was called inside. I had my temperature taken, answered a few questions and was given a paper to take to the first blood draw station (to check for anemia). After that I sat for about four minutes before I was asked to speak with a doctor. Since my Spanish language skills are still developing, one of the volunteers acted as a translator. Shortly after answering the questions, I was directed to a chair for the actual blood donation. A wonderful technician inserted the needle, and the process began. (I have to say he did a wonderful job – in the US when I have donated, I have ended up with a large bruise. Here no bruise at all!). Ten minutes later I was all done, and I was escorted to a table and chair outside where I was given a bottle of water, a new water bottle gift, crackers and a small container of yogurt.
All done and back in the car by 8:15. It was a fast, efficient, painless and pleasant experience.”
Sign Up to Donate Blood The Tale of the Behemoth
Once upon a time, BEFORE our equipment loan team started buying more portable hospital beds, Boquete Health & Hospice had this beautiful hospital bed taking up a lot of space in our storage locker. Sela Burkholder fondly named it the “behemoth” due to its size, weight and the difficulty transporting it to a patient’s home. Then one day, Sela decided it was best to donate the bed to a more fixed location. The perfect solution arose when our medical director, Dra. Diaz and Boquete Medical Associates, moved to a new location in Alto Boquete and had a special resting place for the bed. Shedding tears, Sela and her husband Al moved the bed to its final destination and bid the “behemoth” a fond farewell. (The tears may have been due to back strain, we aren’t sure.) And so, the story has a happy ending.
The End!The Next General Meeting
Wednesday, May 12th – 1pm
IN PERSON AND ZOOM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83887079356
Meeting ID: 838 8707 9356About the Tree of LifeThe tree was created to honor our donors and volunteers. The roots are volunteers, the trunk is the council, the leaves are people who have donated $100 or more. The two color leaves are people who have donated for two years. The flowers are business sponsors who donate $100 or more every year. The Lilies are new. They are memorials to people who have passed. Family or friends have donated $200 or more to honor them.
Add your leaf or flower or Lily. Click the button to make our tree grow.
Thank you.Donate 
Over the past year there have been questions about WHY Boquete Health and Hospice was doing things in a certain way. The policies of the organization have now been posted on our website. There is a link at the bottom of the home page or you can go to the “More” page to read them or download a PDF version. The policies will be updated as needed.View BHH Policies To Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.orgFreely send this to anyone, use any part.
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Being Prepared in Boquete
for Life and DeathTake the FEAR out of an unexpected health crisis!
LAST CHANCE to Join this valuable discussion
5 Seats Available
Wed., April 21st
11:00 - 12:30pm
Animales Event Center - Ruby McKenzie Clinic
NOW is the time to:- Provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
- Navigate the paperwork that will put you in legal compliance with Panama.
- Think about the difficult questions on your end-of-life care.
- Get your affairs in order
Bring your hard copy of the Being Prepared Guide, and your questions.
(Guides are available at our BHH Tap Out Tuesday market table, at Mailboxes, Etc., or at the event for a $10 donation.)
For reservations email:
prepared@boquetehealth.org -
Take the FEAR out of an unexpected health crisis!
Join this valuable discussion
Wed., April 21st
11:00 - 12:30pm
Animales Event Center - Ruby McKenzie Clinic
NOW is the time to:- Provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
- Navigate the paperwork that will put you in legal compliance with Panama.
- Think about the difficult questions on your end-of-life care.
- Get your affairs in order
Bring your hard copy of the Being Prepared Guide, and your questions.
(Guides are available at our BHH Tap Out Tuesday market table, at Mailboxes, Etc., or at the event for a $10 donation.)
For reservations email:
prepared@boquetehealth.org -
View this email in your browser Table of Contents - Blood Drive - March 6
- March General Meeting
- Caregiver Skills
- CPR 2021 Announcement
- Help Needed
- Education Team has a Request
- Being Prepared in Boquete for Life and Death
- New Volunteers
- The next General Meeting
- Policies
- PSA - How to Register for the Vaccine
- Tree of Life Update
Blood Drive March 6, 2021
The first blood drive held in over a year was a success!
THANKS go to:- Our valuable Blood Donors. We collected 52 pints of blood!
- The Blood Bank staff from Hospital Regional who efficiently registered, tested, interviewed and then withdrew the blood – all following the MINSA guidelines.
- Our BHH Volunteers and Panamanian nurses who worked the event – Joann S., Cat V., Noemi M, Laurie C., Carmen R., Marjorie S., Edith M., Maria Isabel B. and Elisneth L.
- Our Corporate Donors and Supporters – Piero with Milky Way Creamery, and Melissa Chong, our landlord for our storage units at the Alto Dorado stores.
- Our Matching Fund Donors – who pledged $ for each pint collected. With their generosity, BHH received $1,400 to continue our work for the Boquete Community.
The next blood drive is scheduled for June 12. Please consider supporting it by donating blood or being a Matching Fund donor. Note: Anyone who donated on March 6 will be eligible to donate again.
March General MeetingOn March 10 a General Meeting was held that combined an in-person meeting with a ZOOM meeting. For the in-person meeting, all of the MINSA guidelines were followed: We had a step-in tray to clean feet, took temperatures, had alcohol gel available and maintained social distancing. Chris M. was kind enough to handle the ZOOM portion. This allowed those who were comfortable being in small groups as well as those who preferred to avoid groups to participate in the meeting.
Interested in Improving
Your Caregiver Skills?
Join the Contemplative Care Summit, a free on-line event. Wonderful teachers will be presenting topics that concern us all (unless you do not believe we are all going to die). This amazing one-time event focuses on the profound personal work we can all do to enhance our caregiver skills and lessen our fear and anxieties about our own and our loved one's transitions.
Pre-recorded talks and guided meditations range from 20-40 minutes each. Each day includes approximately three hours of content. You are welcome to view as many or as few of the presentations as you'd like! 32 highly qualified presenters address and define a contemplative approach to life and death through talks, practices, and conversation. Understanding this material can be a great aid to hospice workers and caregivers. Continued discussions about this important material with family and friends will be of benefit to many.
Check It Out!
A Free Contemplative Care Summit
March 25th-March 29th
Free Only on These Days
Click Here to visit the site.CPR 2021 AnnouncementStarting up again soon CPR 2021
When: April 14th, 2021, 2:30-3:30 pm (after the BHHF General Meeting)
Where: Animales Event Center – The Ruby McKenzie Clinic Following Minsa’s guidelines: masks, social distancing, hand and foot sanitizing, and temperature check.
Details: Since there are only 4 mannequins and 4 training AEDs, we can only have 4 participants (students). Each person will have their own mannequin and AED.This is an abbreviated training session, even more abbreviated by Covid precautions. It will include one-man CPR, hands-on only CPR (chest compressions), use of the AED and Demonstration only of Heimlich Maneuver.
At this time, the CPR Review Course is open only to BHHF members.
Register quickly as again there are only 4 spots available. A waiting/cancellation list will be started. If all goes well, we plan on having this class after each BHHF General Meeting each month.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Linda Archer/CPR Coordinator
rlaarcher@sbcglobal.net
WhatsApp: 6482-6442Help Needed:
Merl Will-Wallace has asked to be relieved as Team Leader for the Respiratory Team. The Team is loaded with really great people who are willing to do the locker check out and in, delivery and pick up. What is desperately needed is someone who:- Will maintain the records of which patient has which piece of respiratory equipment and when it was loaned out and returned.
- Keep watch on the WhatsApp group to make sure that any requests are not missed.
- Report monthly on Respiratory Team activities.
- Help with inventory.
- Coordinate purchasing of needed equipment and supplies.
If you can help us out, please contact Merl Will-Wallace to discuss further merl@counselingfortransition.comEducation Team has a Request
Dr. Rod Gottula has agreed to give a 10-minute presentation at every General Meeting, but he needs your help. He would like suggestions for topics.
The reason for this is that:
1. Hospice in Boquete is quite different than hospice in the US and the needs are likely to be quite different.
2. He is used to presenting to health care providers, and he knows what their interests are, but is not sure what topics are important to the volunteers at Boquete Hospice.
3. Covid certainly has changed the nature of what Boquete Hospice can do. However, it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel to getting back to normal operations. It would be nice to do educational programs that address things getting back to normal.
4. It is typical for those of us that work in hospice to run into difficult or uncomfortable situations. These may not happen very often but can be made more comfortable with a little knowledge.
Please think about this and send your ideas to Liz Bolt at lizbethann5492@gmail.com. If Dr. Rod is willing to do all this work, the least we can do is let him know what interests us.
BHH will present a seminar on
Being Prepared in Boquetefor Life and Death on April 21st at the Animales Bldg. from 11:00-12:30. The Guide is required for your attendance and is available now at the Tapout Market and at Mailboxes Etc. for a $10 donation. Guides will be available for sale at the door. Unless something changes with MINSA protocols, attendance will be limited and registrations in advance will be taken. Further details to follow.
Sign Up for the Class New Volunteers
A two-hour training session focusing on confidentiality, communication skills and the history of Boquete Health and Hospice will be held on April 5th, from 1 – 2:30. New volunteers who participate will be provisional members of the organization. They will receive the benefits of full membership upon completion of the full three-day training that (hopefully) will be held in September. To sign up or for further questions, please contact Beverly Stearns at bevspirit@yahoo.com
The Next General MeetingAn email was sent out to our members to learn how the organization can re-energize them. One of the responses was to have in-person meetings again. The Next General meeting will be only in-person. To maintain the proper social distancing, there is a limit of 40 attendees. Please contact Lesley to make your reservation. lesleyahughes@gmail.com. The CPR class will follow the meeting, starting at 2:30. See above for further details on that training session
Wednesday, April 14th – IN PERSON ONLY
Over the past year there have been questions about WHY Boquete Health and Hospice was doing things in a certain way. The policies of the organization have now been posted on our website. There is a link at the bottom of the home page or you can go to the “More” page to read them or download a PDF version. The policies will be updated as needed.View BHH Policies Covid 19 Vaccines in Panama
Use the first link below only if you have never registered. Use the second link only after you are notified by MINSA of your appointment. That link is to verify you will be there. Use your E-cedula to register. If you don't have an E-cedula, use your passport number.If you are having trouble registering, there are a few glitches to get around.- 1 If you have registered previously, it will not let you try to register again.
- 2 When it asks you to click on your district, you might not find Boquete. Instead you will find GAP. That is Boquete.
- 3 When trying to register your birth date, you do not have to click 1,000 times to get to it. Look in the upper left corner for the year 2021 (it is dim). Click on that, and a list of years you can scroll through will come up.
To sign up for the vaccine go to this link (only if you have not registered):
vacunas.panamasolidario.gob.pa/vacunas_menu/
This link has been updated to allow those people who do not have cedulas to sign up. You will see these three options, choose the one best suits your current stay in Panama. Make sure you fill out the documents as accurately as possible. You must have your legal identification document with you when you go get your vaccine. If you do not have a cedula this would most likely be your passport and your pensionado card.
Once you are registered and the National Government announces that they are in the circuit in which you reside, you must go to this other link:
vacunas.panamasolidario.gob.pa/verificate
and verify you to know the date, time and the vaccination center that corresponds to you.
Boquete, Dolega, and Gualaca are in circuit 4-5.About the Tree of LifeThe tree was created to honor our donors and volunteers. The roots are volunteers, the trunk is the council, the leaves are people who have donated $100 or more. The two color leaves are people who have donated for two years. The flowers are business sponsors who donate $100 or more every year. The Lilies are new. They are memorials to people who have passed. Family or friends have donated $200 or more to honor them.
Add your leaf or flower or Lily. Click the button to make our tree grow.
Thank you.Donate 
Click Here to Enlarge Tree
Many Thanks to Our Donors
Laurie & Kelly Collier
Susan & Price Peterson
Lucie Conner & James McCallum
Dave & Erin Ross
John & Babbie Earle
Welthy & Paul Myers
John Ferguson & Craig Gatrel
Carmen & Luis Botero
Peter Sterling & Sally Zigmond
Ruby McKenzie
Willeke & Hubert Pena
Milky Way Creamery
Melissa Chong
Kathy McKay
Karen Bergstrom
Chris and Lorraine McCall
Sheila and Carl Strunk
Trish and Brian Christofferson
Linda and Doug Avery
The Canton Family in Memory of Betty CollierTo Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.orgFreely send this to anyone, use any part.
Our mailing address is:
info@boquetehealth.org
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Boquete Health and Hospice · Bajo Boquete · Boquete · Panama
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Table of Contents: - Blood Drive - March 6
- Being Prepared in Boquete for Life & Death
- The Magic of Music - a new focus
- First Aid for the Home
- Invitation to join Ambassadors
- Have a Truck?
- The next General Meeting
- We are Here for You
- Tree of Life
- Our Mission
The Gift of Life
Blood Drive March 6We are thrilled that 60 people have signed up to donate blood on March 6. Thanks to all these folks who are Giving the Gift of Life with their precious blood.
Anyone living in the Boquete Health and Hospice service area is eligible to receive blood. Also, the family members of those who donate blood are also eligible even if they don’t live in our service area but, if they are in one of the David hospitals. Blood can be made available in a very short time after the request is made on our Blood Help Line (6590-2000). No longer is there a need to beg family and friends to drive to David to donate blood.
People are also still signing up for the Matching Fund drive. This program allows a person who cannot donate blood to still help by agreeing to donate a specific amount (their choice) for each pint of blood donated. This helps cover the expenses of holding the blood drive, which in turn allows those from our community that need blood to get it quickly. Please consider this option for Giving the Gift of Life!
Donate to The Gift of Life Fund The Purple Cloud..........,,,,,,,rolled into the wonderful Biblioteca de Boquete for the BCP Community Chat on Feb. 18. This was the first time the new and simplified format for Being Prepared in Boquete for Life and Death, was presented. It’s been over a year since BHH has been able to have any presentation regarding Being Prepared. The ‘masked’ audience was so receptive, and words like “excellent” were mixed with applause and many thanks of appreciation to presenters Char Lintz and Joanie Feuerstein. Personal stories and real-life experiences from Boquete were surely motivational in emphasizing the necessity of making an action plan using the reader-friendly guide and in accordance with Panamanian law. Explaining some distinct differences between Panama and ex-pats’ passport countries, enlightened most participants. We are proud to share that BHH recently established a working relationship with the blood bank at Regional Hospital in David. The Guide is available for a $10 donation at MBE and at the Tuesday Market. A PDF version is available for a $5 donation on our website, boquetehealth.org. We thank BCP, Phil Bennett and our beautiful library for making this venue available to us.
Get Your PDF Guide - Donate 
Music’s Ability to Support Health & Wellness
By Art BlevinsScientific research has shown that music has medicinal value, ranging from the reduction of anxiety to improving brain function in patients with degenerative brain diseases. Growing from this scientific recognition of the beneficial aspects of music is the wellness trend that is blossoming worldwide. It is changing the music industry. And technology is jumping in utilizing biometrics and artificial intelligence to enable music to become a deeply personalized precision medicine. The Magic of Music program at Boquete Health & Hospice is ramping up to focus not only on using music to help patients with degenerative brain diseases but also on music wellness efforts. What exactly do we mean by "wellness"? And what is the connection between wellness and music? How will the Magic of Music program at Boquete Health & Hospice be involved? To answer those questions and to find out more: Click the Button Below to read the full article.Read the Full Article 
First Aid for the Home The final presentation of BHH First Aid for the Home was presented at the library on February 4, under the auspices of BCP Community Chat. Bud Huber was generous enough to tape the presentation and it is posted on the BoqueteHealth.org website as well as our YouTube channel and the Boquete Health and Hospice page on Chiriqui Life. Thank you, Bud, for your time and effort in making the video available to the community
I wonder if …?
• I wonder if … I or a loved one needed help dealing with a health problem here in Boquete. Who would assist me?
Boquete Health and Hospice.
I would like to be a part of this essential organization. I wonder if … I could do that?
• I wonder if… since I do not have the skills to work directly with patients or the dying …. What could I possibly do to be a part of the Volunteers for Boquete Health and Hospice?
With a ride to the Doctors, an assist to the grocery store, a telephone call because someone is lonely, a friendly visit, a meal dropped off at their door, a “Thinking of You” little gift basket appearing? Put up flyers announcing events, shouting out to your friends when there is a Blood Drive, or donations needed for a special purpose.
• I wonder if… I could greet folks who arrive at the BHH Community Chats… to inform our town of the support they receive from BHH? The BHH Ambassadors do all the “around the edges little things that also matter”.
• I wonder if someone will answer my email or call to Volunteer for The BHH Ambassadors?”
Yes, I will. Gracias and Stay Safe!
Erin Ross, Chair BHH Ambassadors
6692-1679/WhatsApp
Erinross1@outlook.com
Have a truck? We need you!
BHH has a number of hospital beds that we loan to people who need them. In normal times (not COVID) we usually deliver and assemble the bed at the person’s house. The bed fits in the back of a pick-up. If you are willing to help with this important job, contact Sally Zigmond at 507-6714-0737 or click the button below to send an email, Contact Sally Next General MeetingThe March 10 General Meeting of Boquete Health and Hospice will be another first for the organization. With technical help from our webmaster, we will hold both an in-person meeting and simultaneously hold a Zoom meeting. At our February 10 general meeting, we had 25 people attend and there (thankfully) were no problems. However, several people have mentioned that they would like to be able to actually visit with people outside of the meeting times. Chris McCall has offered to help make the dual format a reality so both those who are comfortable meeting in person as well as those who would rather stay at home can attend.
Watch a Short Video of Our Services 
To Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.orgFreely send this to anyone, use any part.
Our mailing address is:
info@boquetehealth.org
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Boquete Health and Hospice · Bajo Boquete · Boquete · Panama
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View this email in your browser General Meeting
Boquete Health and HospiceDate / Time: Wednesday, Febuary 10th / 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Location: ZOOM
ID# 818 3986 8921 or Click on Link at Bottom of Page
You can attend via Zoom app or a Web Browser Like ChromeAdd event to calendar
MEETING AGENDAReview of accomplishments in January and upcoming EVENTS.
Dr. Rod Gottula will give a 10-minute presentation (topic to be a surprise) Dr. Rod has done presentations for Boquete Health & Hospice in the past and he is now a resident of Boquete. His last presentation was on Medical Marijuana.
Caregivers Support Initiative – discussion led by Chris McCall and Lorraine Handler on whether this is a project BHH should pursue. At this time BHH receives very few calls for support by caregivers, but this may be a result of the Covid-19 virus.
Magic of Music – re-vamp
Blood Drive – March 6Go to ZOOM Meeting
Copyright © 2021 Boquete Health and Hospice, All rights reserved.
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View this email in your browser Table of Contents:
• Letter from our President
• 2020 Recap 2021 Plans
• Additional Administrator & New Equipment Team Leaders
• First Aid at Home & Being Prepared Meetings
• Thank You
• Database Help Needed
• General Meeting
• Have a Truck?
• We are Here for You
• Being Prepared
• Link to Covid Information
• Gift of Life Blood Drive
• Gift of Life Matching Fund
• Magic of Music
• Tree of Life
• Our MissionLetter from Our President
Welcome to 2021! We hope you and your loved ones had a safe, healthy and peaceful holiday.
Please continue to practice safe habits as there has been a significant increase in Covid-19 cases since the middle of November. The number of new cases is slowly dropping, but can surge again if everyone is not careful.
2020 Recap and 2021 Plans
Even though there were major challenges to providing services to the community last year, Boquete Health and Hospice accomplished a great deal, for which I wish to thank all our volunteers. Some of the highlights were:
- Abbreviated training program created and started
- Training of new members (16) held
- Panel Discussion video completed
- Being Prepared materials updated and printed (400 printed so far)
- Administrator interview video completed and on web site.
- Donation of Surgical Masks, N95 Masks, Face Shields and Disposable Gowns to CSS
- (Policlinicia) and Alfa Clinic, Clinicia Especializada and Dra. Boya
- Blood Donor Caravan (March 7, 2020)
- Donation of $300 to the New Blood Donor Center in David
- Initiation of the Tree of Life program to thank donors and volunteers.
- Donation of $1314 worth of food and clothes to those affected by Hurricane Eta
- Silent Art Auction
On January 6, the Council met to discuss initiatives for the new year. In summary form, our hopes for the community are:
- Update the Being Prepared guides, and have regular presentations to the community.
- Being Prepared guide – Spanish version.
- Compile a list of resources for handling grief and stress.
- The Tree of Life will show donations by year by using color.
- Art Auction (currently planned for September).
- Caregivers Support Program.
- Update how BHH trains new volunteers.
- Two blood drives (Mar 6 and June 12) with a goal of 45 pints and Matching Funds.
- Administrator Team Leader for Potrerillos
- Create a comprehensive database for BHH data.
Additional Administrator and New Equipment Team Leaders
It is with great joy that BHH welcomes Char L. as our third Administrator, joining Bev T. and Craig G. The Administrator Team will now be able to function without overloading any one person.
We also want to welcome as Equipment Team Leaders, Sally Z. and John F. Both have been involved with equipment for quite a while. Sela B. will be taking a break. After nine years of heading the team, it is well-deserved and we thank you for everything you have done.
Thank You's that were missed in the last newsletter!There is a group of people that I neglected to thank in the last newsletter. In January these wonderful volunteers assisted in training our new members. Their contributions to training our new volunteers are vital to the organization.
Beverly Stearns
Lesley Hughes
Craig Gatrel
Deborah Hanna
Doug Remsen
Bev Tyler
Char Lintz
Liz Bolt
Chuck High
Linda Hart
Linda Archer
Rona True
Thank you all.
HELP NEEDED
Boquete Health and Hospice currently is maintaining several databases (some in Excel and some in Word). We would like to have one central place for all the data, have an easy way to enter the data and be able to run reports off of it. If you, or anyone you know, is capable of this task, please contact Lesley Hughes to discuss. THANK YOU.Contact Lesley General Meeting – January 13
The first meeting of the year and the second Zoom meeting was held to announce the election of the following members of the Council and the approval of the Administrators. For 2021, the following are voting members of the Boquete Hospice and Health Foundation:
President – Lesley Hughes
Vice President – Liz Bolt
Treasurer – Merl Will-Wallace
Secretary – John Ferguson
Administrator – Bev Tyler
Past President – Laurie Collier
The following are Administrators:
Bev Tyler
Craig Gatrel
Char Lintz
Change to the By-Laws
It was felt that during a prolonged medical emergency, a formal process of admitting new members to Boquete Health and Hospice would be helpful, so an amendment to the By-Laws was proposed to the Council on January 6, 2021. It passed unanimously. It was then presented to the membership during the January 13 general meeting.
The amendment reads:
During a prolonged medical situation when in-person training is inadvisable, any person vetted by the Training/Membership Team Leader, who has interest in joining the organization, may be given provisional membership status. When training is possible, the person must complete the three-day training to attain full membership status. While a provisional member, they may participate on Teams and contribute to the operation of Boquete Hospice and Health Foundation, but they may not vote on matters that come before the membership or visit patients except in the company of a trained volunteer.Have a truck? We need you!
BHH has a number of hospital beds that we loan to people who need them. In normal times (not COVID) we usually deliver and assemble the bed at the person’s house. The bed fits in the back of a pick-up. If you are willing to help with this important job, contact Sally Zigmond at 507-6714-0737 or click the button below to send an email, Contact Sally 
Watch a Short Video of Our Services 
Get Your PDF Guide - Donate Link to information from the New England Journal of Medicine about Covid-19 and Vaccines
The link below goes to the New England Journal of Medicine. The article contains information about the latest research and frequently asked questions about the disease and the various vaccines that are being manufactured. No recommendations about any treatment/vaccine are given.Goto New England Journal Article 
Join the Matching Fund Donate Blood 
The Magic of Music
Our music team includes Val Strahl, Beverly Stearns. This team will provide music to any of our BHH patients who request it. We will ask you to tell us about your favorite music, and then create a personalized playlist for you. This is a lending program and we will lend you a small digital music player so that you can listen to this personalized music using earbuds. We could lend you cd’s if you prefer. Music can bring back memories, take our mind off our worries and pains and sometimes change our moods too. This program serves all patients recovering from illness, surgery or a fall, but it may especially help those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
To Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.org -
View this email in your browser 
Table of Contents:
• Best Wishes for the Holidays
• Letter from the President
• Accomplishments for 2020
• 1st General Meeting
• Important Notice
• Upcoming Community Events
• New Team Structure
• Thank You to Our Volunteers
• Help Needed
• Blood Drive Feb 6
• Tree of Life
• Magic of Music
• Happy New Year
• Our Mission
SENDING YOU THE VERY BEST WISHES
FOR A
JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
A WONDERFUL
AND
HAPPY NEW YEARLetter from the President
In January, 2020 the Council met and decided on some goals for the year. Little did we know that Covid would strike one month later and everything would be changed. Still, through the work of many, most of the goals were met. The Council will be meeting again on January 6 to talk about the goals for 2021. If you have any ideas/suggestions, please email them to someone on the Council.
BHH Accomplishments for 2020
- Abbreviated training program mapped out and initial training session held (Feb 28)
- RN Party held to learn how this special group wanted to contribute.
- Training of new members (16) held
- Panel Discussion video completed
- One interim administrator found
- Being Prepared materials updated and printed (400 printed so far)
- Administrator interview video completed and on web site.
- Mini Training Session held for 6 members.
- Respiratory Repair Person found
- Donation of Surgical Masks, N95 Masks, Face Shields and Disposable Gowns to CSS (Policlinicia) and Alfa Clinic, Clinicia Especializada and Dra. Boya
- Blood Donor Caravan (March 7, 2020)
- Donation of $300 to the New Blood Donor Center in David
- Initiation of the Tree of Life program to thank donors and volunteers.
- Donation of $1,314 worth of food and clothes to those affected by Hurricane Eta
- Basic First Aid training held at Valle Escondido
- Silent Art Auction
- First Aid at home presentations held at the Library Nov 19 and Dec 10
BHH Holds Its First Zoom
General Meeting – Dec. 10After almost 10 months, and in order to give a wrap-up of the year, BHH attempted its first ever Zoom Meeting. 16 volunteers and guests attended. A summary of the years activities was given by Bev Tyler (Administrator), Sela Burkholder (Equipment), Merl Will-Wallace (Respiratory) and Lesley Hughes (General) and volunteers were thanked. The proposed slate for next year was presented and floor nominations were requested. Floor nominations will close on Dec. 30. The method of holding the election was announced: Ballots will be emailed to the membership of January 7 and must be returned to Laurie Collier (lojocollier@yahoo.com) by midnight January 9. This method was selected to allow those who are concerned about attending an in-person meeting in January to still have a voice in selecting the Council.
NOTE: Starting with the January 13 General meeting, the monthly meetings for BHH will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Animales Building starting at 1:00 pm.
Upcoming Community Events:
January 12 – ACCB Tuesday Talk at the BCP Theater – Joanie F and Char L will give a presentation of Being Prepared. It is required that a hard copy of the Guide be with the attendees. It starts at 10:30.
January 13 – First in-person General Meeting to be held at the Animales Building. It starts at 1:00. Limited to 50 people. MINSA guidelines will be followed: Masks required, temperatures will be taken, Alcohol Gel will be available, social distancing will be maintained.
February 4 – BCP Community Chat - the third presentation of First Aid at Home will be held at the Library. Merl W. and Lesley H will be giving the talk. It starts at 11:00. Limited to 25 people. Reservations required – email to Chats@Eventsboquete.org. MINSA guidelines will be followed: Masks required, temperatures will be taken, Alcohol Gel will be available, social distancing will be maintained.
February 6 – Gift of Life Blood Drive held at the Animales Event Center from 7 am – 1 pm. To donate please contact WhatsApp 507-6590-2000 or email blood@boquetehealth.org. MINSA guidelines will be followed: Masks required, temperatures will be taken, Alcohol Gel will be available, social distancing will be maintained.
February 18 – BCP Community Chat at the Library – Joanie F and Char L will give a presentation of Being Prepared. It is required that a hard copy of the Guide be with the attendees. It starts at 11:00. Limited to 25 people. Reservations required – email to Chats@Eventsboquete.org. MINSA guidelines will be followed: Masks required, temperatures will be taken, Alcohol Gel will be available, social distancing will be maintained.
NOTE: Starting with the January 13 General meeting, the monthly meetings for BHH will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Animales Building starting at 1:00 pm.
Stay tuned, dates may change due to MINSA restrictions on gatherings. 
New Team Structure
In the last newsletter, the new team structure was announced. Below are the goals for each team. At the January General meeting, volunteers will have the opportunity to review the list members on each team and sign up/recommit to the team(s) of their choice.
The goals for each team are:
- Administrator – act as the first point of contact for people needing some form of care. Provide information and communicate needs to appropriate team.
- Hospice Patient and Family Care – provide assistance for patients and families needing end-of-life care.
- Blood Donor – Coordinate blood requests for patients needing blood and the hospitals/doctors and manage the blood drives.
- PR/Marketing – Create and publish the monthly Newsletter, flyers for events. Maintain our social media presence. Maintain our web site and video page.
- Translator – provide translation services for patients and teams as needed.
- Equipment – provide equipment (both respiratory and medical) as directed by Administrator.
- Training/Recruitment – meet and vet potential members and provide training.
- Home Comfort – As requested by Administrator, provide meals and music to patients.
- Ambassadors – be the public face of Hospice. Staff the tables at events, answer questions or direct people to the person that can answer them, sell BHH products. Write thank you notes to donors. Set up for meetings as needed.
- Education – provide community education through various programs – CPR, Caregiver support, Being Prepared.
Thank You to our WONDERFUL volunteers who have done so much during this year:
Council
Lesley Hughes
Liz Bolt
Merl Will-Wallace
John Ferguson
Laurie Collier
Administrators
Bev Tyler
Craig Gatrel
Equipment
Sela Burkholder
Michael Gallawa
Judy Sacco
Cat Vann
Kat McKay
Luis Botero
Sally Zigmond
Respiratory
Merl Will-Wallace
John Ferguson
Luis Botero
Mike Gallawa
Sally ZigmondMeals
Evie Jones
Beverly Stearns
Sarah Terry
Cat Vann
Kay Wade
Mona Portalance
Nancy Halbert
Joan Schuetz
Nairn Kennedy
Molly Traynor
George Huff
Linda Hart
Jane Ruth
Karen Hill
Sandy Dillon
Linda Sanchez
Joanie Feuerstein
Craig Gatrel
John Ferguson
Dee HornHospice/Home Care
Barbara Lapid
Babbie Earle
John EarleBeing Prepared
Joanie Feuerstein
Char Lintz
Genie VidalPR/Marketing
Laurie Collier
Chris McCall
Trish Christofferson
Betty Landis
Lorraine Handler
Rod Parker
Penny BarrettBlood Donor
Carmen Restrepo
Marjorie Ramos-SarnerTranslator
Luis Botero
Carmen RestrepoMusic
Val Strahl
Beverly StearnsAmbassadors
Erin Ross
Kay Wade
Penny Barrett
Shirley Maffett
Cat Vann
John SandeenCPR Team
Linda & Bob Archer
Jayden & Caden Boss
Ivonne Cummings
Sherry Sherritt
Lesley Sherling
Merl Will-Wallace
Babbie Earle
Luis Botero
Marsha Bowman
Tita Hamm
Denese Rodgers
Lindy Colenda
Lisca BrunaIt is with great sadness that we announce that Sela Burkholder has informed the Council that she will be give up her leadership role on the Equipment Team. For so many years Sela has made sure that the equipment is ready and available for loan to whomever needs it. This has included repairs, maintaining inventory, tracking which patient has which piece of equipment and for how long, providing month-end reports of the team’s activities. She has been available whenever her team or the Administrator had questions and always with a good spirit and heart. Sela, THANK YOU!
It is with great happiness that we announce that the team leadership role for Equipment will be filled by co-leaders Sally Zigmond and John Ferguson. The Council is very happy to have these two excellent volunteers step in. Sally and John, THANK YOU!
HELP NEEDED:
Boquete Health and Hospice is compiling a list of those people in the community who are qualified as Grief and/or Stress councilors. It has been suggested that there is a need for this service. BHH will put together a list and provide it to those who are interested or in need. These are NOT recommendations, and it is up to the person requesting the information to follow up.
Many Thanks to Our Donors Who Have Helped Fill Our Tree of Life
With your generous donation of $100+, you get a leaf on our
Tree of Life! Help us Grow
Our programs will continue in 2021; hospice care, education events, medical equipment, help and blood are available to all. We are grateful for your caring donations! Thank you!
Boquete Health and Hospice Magic of Music
Our music team includes Val Strahl, Beverly Stearns. This team will provide music to any of our BHH patients who request it. We will ask you to tell us about your favorite music, and then create a personalized playlist for you. This is a lending program and we will lend you a small digital music player so that you can listen to this personalized music using earbuds. We could lend you cd’s if you prefer. Music can bring back memories, take our mind off our worries and pains and sometimes change our moods too. This program serves all patients recovering from illness, surgery or a fall, but it may especially help those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The Magic of Music to help our patients 
To Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check, cash or direct deposit to our Global Bank account, please contact Merl Will-Wallace, our treasurer, at dharma49@icloud.com”
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact UsHospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.org
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Please note the correct date as displayed on the flyer.
Click here to connect to the Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88214423656
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That was just pointed out to me. I need to make a correction. The meeting is Thursday, December 10. Thank you!!
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View this email in your browser 
Table of Contents:
• Letter from our President
• Relief Donation
• Meeting Update
• General Meeting Date Change
• First Aid Class
• BHH Updates Our Teams
• Testimonial
• Being Prepared
• Blood Donor Alert
• Gift of Life Blood Drive
• Tree of Life Update
• Our MissionLetter from Our President
Panama Health and Respite Foundation
Wow – what a month (and year)! I live in Los Naranjos and up to the 20th of November, we got 21 inches of rain. Last year we only got 4 inches for the entire month. Please remember that those who were devastated by Hurricane Eta still may not have a home, enough to eat, clean water or dry clothes.Relief Donation
With such a great need by so many people due to the heavy rain, and bearing in mind that BHH has been the recipient of some recent, very generous donations, the Council unanimously approved the spending of funds to purchase food, necessities and clothing. Laurie C. and I purchased over $1,300 of food (from Romero and Ivans) and clothing (from the Fundación Pro-Integración). At the Handicapped Foundation we cleared 3 racks of clothes (shirts, sweaters, jackets) and 3 bins of jeans and pants). Eight large bags were filled with clothes. The following day 24 cases of water were also donated. This was made possible by generosity of our members and partners. While shopping, it was wonderful to see so many people and organizations doing the same thing – buying for those who had lost so much. We truly live in a wonderful community of caring people.
Meeting Update
After many months of not having General Meetings, we are going to try something new. On December 10, at 9:00 a.m. there will be a Zoom meeting open to the membership. The Zoom meeting ID will be sent soon.
On January 13 (hopefully) at 1:00 there will be an in-person meeting at the Animales Building. It will be limited to 50 people, social distancing will be observed, masks will be required, and alcohol gel will be available. In other words – all MINSA guidelines will be observed. The purpose of this meeting is to elect the Council for 2021, review and re-commit to the various teams and talk about what BHH hopes to accomplish in 2021.
Proposed Slate:
The proposed slate for 2021 is:
President: Lesley Hughes
Vice President: Liz Bolt
Treasurer: Merl Will-Wallace
Secretary: John Ferguson
Past President: Laurie Collier
A proposal will be made following the election to approve Bev Tyler as Administrator.
If anyone wishes to run for any of these positions, please send an email to info@boquetehealth.org. Nominations will close as of Dec. 30, 2020.
Change in Meeting Days
One other change – Our general meetings will now be held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, instead of the 2nd Thursday.
The dates in 2021 will be:
January 13
February 10
March 10
April 14
May 12
June 9
July 14
August 11
September 8
October 13
November 10 (I am aware it is Los Santos Uprising day)
December 8 (I am aware it is Mother’s day)
First Aid Class
On November 19, BCP hosted their first Community Chat and Boquete Health and Hospice was honored to be asked to be their first presentation. Lesley Hughes and Merl Will-Wallace gave a 90-minute presentation of how to handle emergencies at home. It covered medical emergencies – Diabetes, Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Respiratory issues. Also discussed were Trauma emergencies, Falls, Bleeding, Burns and Fractures. 20 people attended and all MINSA guidelines were followed: Temperatures were taken, social distancing was maintained, masks were worn and alcohol gel was used. A second session is planned for December 10 at the Library starting at 11:00. Reservations are required so in order to reserve a place, send an email to: chats@eventsboquete.org 
BHH Updates Our TeamsAlso in January, a new team structure will be put in place. There are many members who are on teams that do closely related activities. We currently have 15 teams and under the new plan that would be reduced to 9. The new structure will be:
Equipment to be made up of the current Equipment and Respiratory Teams, with co-Team Leaders Sela B. and Merl W. This combined team is responsible for distribution of equipment to patients as authorized by the Administrator, maintaining equipment cleanliness and locker organization.
Blood Donor – Team Leader Carmen R. This team is responsible for leading the Blood Drives and coordinating blood requests.
Marketing/PR – Team Leader Laurie C. This team is responsible for publishing our monthly newsletter, creating and publishing special event flyers and maintaining our social media presence.
Ambassadors to be made up of the current Ambassadors/Logistics/Thank You Teams – Co-Team Leaders Erin R, Cat V and Kay W. This combined team is responsible for the interface between BHH and the public.
Patient Care – Team Leader Babbie E. This team is responsible for coordinating patient and family care for any hospice patients admitted to the program.
Translator – Team Leader Carmen R. This team assists any other team and patients with translation.
Training/Recruitment – Team Leader Beverly S. This team is responsible for recruiting new members, vetting them, and coordinating the annual training program.
Home Comfort to be made up of the current Meals and Music Teams – co-Team Leaders Beverly S. and Val S. This team is responsible for coordinating meals and music as suggested by the Administrator.
Education to be made up of the current CPR/Being Prepared/Community Education and Dementia Support Teams – Team Leader Liz B. This team is responsible for the educational activities of BHH.A Heartfelt Testimonial
for Being Prepared
I cannot applaud BHH enough for their Being Prepared Guide. Preparing for health issues or end of life in the US is challenging enough as I experienced it with the death of my oldest son and both parents. In the US familiarity with customs and government requirements is much easier than living in another country where you are unsure about policies and procedures. I purchased the guide early in 2020 before the complications of Covid struck the world and before I knew illness would fall between our four walls and envelope our lives for six months. I began working through the booklet familiarizing myself with its contents and eventually compiled a notebook that would prove to be invaluable when my husband, Bud died on October 2. Having the knowledge of how to deal with death and illness and the requirements following a death in Panama made the process less complicated and stress free during a time when my mind and emotions were running in a million different places. I thank BHH and its volunteers for walking beside me on this difficult journey and for providing me a guide that assisted in bringing calm closure to the wonderful life I shared with my husband. I highly recommend the services of BHH and especially encourage you to purchase the Being Prepared Guide.Kim Doherty
Boquete ResidentGet Your PDF Guide - Donate Quote from a recent recipient of our Blood Donor Program
“I have heard about the blood bank before, just never knew I would need it!”
UPDATE: 130 pints donated in 1 year, 390 lives saved!
To Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.orgFreely send this to anyone, use any part.
Our mailing address is:
info@boquetehealth.org
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View this email in your browser Table of Contents:
• Filling a Critical Need
• Letter from our President
• Save the Date
• Gift of Life Blood Drive
• Being Prepared
• Blood Donor Alert
• Tree of Life Update
• Our Mission
Filling a Critical Need
for Our CommunityBoquete Health and Hospice maintains a small fleet of oxygen concentrators, both in home and portable, to provide short-term assistance to expats and Panamanians in the Boquete District. The availability of these units in Chiriqui is extremely limited and can be very costly, even for short periods. To meet that need Boquete Health and Hospice provides oxygen concentrators for patient coming home with severe lung or heart problems that require continuous oxygen.On average Boquete Health and Hospice has six to ten oxygen concentrators placed in the community for those in need. While these units are pretty sturdy they are frequently stressed by the fluctuations in power, both high and low, that regularly occur in the district. Because of this stress our units last only one to two years of continuous use and sometimes shorter. Boquete Health and Hospice must regularly buy additional machines from the United States and have them shipped down to Panama in an effort to keep a sufficient number of oxygen concentrators to meet the requests from the community. Just this week we purchased four more concentrators so that they could come in a container of medical equipment paid for by the Thomas McCormack Foundation. Thank you Tom for the lift!!Boquete Health and Hospice must also buy disposable oxygen products to provide a connection from the concentrator to the patient. These are one-time use and must be replaced for the next patient.On an average Boquete Health and Hospice will spend approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per year to continue to provide this valuable service to our community. Your donations are critical to assure that the ongoing need for oxygen in the home, at no cost to the patient or family. This service is available in the short-term until other arrangements can be made or the patient no longer has a need.Thank you for your donation!!!!Letter from Our President
Panama Health and Respite Foundation
It is with a heavy heart (but also an extremely grateful heart) that I report that our sister Hospice organization in Panama (Panama Health and Respite Foundation) located in Coronado has decided to cease its activities. It was reported that there were difficulties recruiting and keeping volunteers. As part of the disbanding, they have donated to Boquete Health and Hospice $2,500.00, as well as some equipment. They even offered to donate some of their music to our new Music Program. We are extremely sorry to see them go, but are so touched that they thought of helping us. They have our best wishes for the future.
We Are Back!!
BHH has returned to the Tuesday Market at TapOut. Barbara L. is presiding over our table there, answering questions, providing our Being Prepared guides and our purple bags. Due to the MINSA restrictions, we are not able to offer the Blood Pressure service as before. Please look for us and stop by to say “Hi”.
First Aid Class
Boquete Health and Hospice held their first Basic First Aid class on Oct. 21 at Valle Escondido. 8 members of the community were in attendance. These wonderful people are all members of the Health Committee and have committed to being available to help those residents who need emergency care until the ambulance arrives.
MINSA guidelines were strictly observed. Temperatures were checked, masks and alcohol gel were used and social distancing was observed. General information for medical emergencies (cardiac issues, strokes and diabetes) were covered as was basic trauma care. The medical equipment available in the medical bags was reviewed. Valle Escondido has two well-stocked medical bags that should enable care to be rendered until the ambulance arrives, possibly saving lives. Then the group worked on “What would you do” scenarios to get them thinking about what to do when an emergency occurs.
The Valle Escondido Homeowners Association very generously donated $100 to BHH.
Photos of the class were taken by Rod Parker.
Donations
Over the last few weeks, BHH has been the recipient of several donations from businesses and organizations. These will be shown on our Tree of Life as flowers, separate from the leaves.
Being Prepared
Our wonderful guides are now available in three locations – as a PDF file (for a minimum $5.00 donation via PayPal on our website), from MBE as a hard copy and from the Tuesday Market at TapOut as a hard copy. The hard copies are available for a minimum donation of $10.00 It is time well spent to read the guide and complete the forms. No one knows when an emergency or illness will strike and having this information available will make a terrible situation slightly less stressful.
Save the Date Notice
No, not a wedding, but the very first BCP Community Chat featuring us! Boquete Health and Hospice!
We’re very honored to be the first Boquete Charity to be featured in the new BCP Community Chats to be held in the Boquete Library. Called “First Aid at Home”, our presentation will focus on how you can recognize and provide first aid to an injured friend or loved-one with just the things you have around the house. Seating is limited to 25 and reservations will be required. More information on how to sign up for this valuable training session will be coming soon but mark your calendars now. If we fill up, we will hold another BCP Community Chat Training for BH&H members and the Boquete Community
Event: First Aid at Home
Date: November 19
Location: Boquete Library - Top Floor
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Topic: How to Recognize an Emergency and What to Do About It.
Diabetes
Heart Attacks
Strokes
Respiratory Issues
Falls
Fractures
Burns
Presenters:
Merl Will-Wallace
Lesley Hughes
Only 25 spaces are available. Reservation information will be available soon.
MINSA GUIDELINES WILL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED. MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED. ALCOHOL GEL WILL BE AVAILABLE. TEMPERATURES WILL BE TAKEN.Get Your PDF Guide - Donate 
Gomez Tomiczek Law FirmPatricia Price Peterson Foundation (Penny Barrett)Valle Escondido Homeowners AssociationTom and Linda McCormack FoundationTo Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.orgFreely send this to anyone, use any part.
Our mailing address is:
info@boquetehealth.org
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View this email in your browser Table of Contents:
• Letter from our President
• Urgent Blood Need
• Art Auction Thank You
• Friendship Basket
• Covid Warning
• Stop Procrastinating
• Gift of Life Blood Drive
• BHH Tree of Life
• Our MissionLetter from the President
The last few weeks have been amazing! Two absolutely wonderful things have happened…
The first is Boquete Health and Hospice has received an incredible donation from the Patricia Price Peterson Foundation (courtesy of Penny Barrett) of $2,800. 2020 has been a very challenging year as the services we provide to the community as well as our fund-raising events have been severely limited. These funds will be used for the purchase of additional equipment - hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs, and walkers as well as to cover some of our annual operating expenses - rent, utilities and training members of the community (when the health situation permits). BHH has many very generous donors to whom we are extremely grateful. For this year, Penny is one of our super donors.
The second wonderful happening was our first virtual Silent Art Auction. Over the course of one week, people had the opportunity to bid on 14 works of art by some of Boquete’s extraordinary artists: Barbara Will-Wallace, Sally Foulke, Tatiana Arefina-Armitage, Sally Zigmond, Nancy Gallawa and MaryEllen Watts. To these incredibly talented artists we humbly say THANK YOU!!! Eight very generous bidders allowed BHH to raise $1,050 to help cover expenses.
Alan Cheek
Laurie Collier
Cheryl Crabbe
Babbie Earle
John Ferguson
Jennifer Pascal
Nancy Pettersen
Sandra Jean Wolf
To these wonderful people, we also say THANK YOU!!!
Three of BHH’s volunteers worked behind the scenes to provide an exceptional auction. I wish to personally thank Laurie Collier, Chris McCall and Merl Will-Wallace for the many hours spent in creating this auction. It couldn’t have happened without you.
Now – for the more serious topic:
Monday, September 28 saw the opening of restaurants and bars in our area, as well as more retail shops. It is my sincere hope that people remember that the virus is still among us. Over the last week, Chiriqui has been responsible for a large percentage of the new cases of Covid-19. For example, on September 22, there were 474 new cases in the country, and 104 of them were in Chiriqui.
It is important to remember that our volunteers are restricted from entering a home where a known case of Covid-19 is present. While we want to be able to help, we can’t take the risk of passing the virus onto others in the community.
Please use common sense with the relaxing of restrictions. Wash your hands or use alcohol gel, wear a mask whenever possible, and practice social distancing.
Go See the Art Auction 
Friendship in a Basket
During the last few weeks, BHH has put a new program into practice. One of our members has past experience with a Hospice Program in Florida. He shares our newsletter with them, and passes onto the Council innovative ideas from them.
One of the ideas we have embraced is “Friendship in a Basket”. When one of our members knows of a client that is in a tough medical situation and needs a bit of encouragement, our Friendship Team (headed by Beverly Stearns) with advice from a family member or close friend, produces a basket filled with goodies – baked goods, sweets, puzzles, music, whatever will give the patient a feeling that they have friends that care and are not alone.
As of the end of September, two baskets have been delivered and the reaction has been most heart-warming. Friendship is always welcome. If you would like to be on this team, please contact Beverly.COVID WARNING
Extreme caution needed!! After being cooped up for so many months, there is natural tendency to get a bit lazy and relaxed. Now is NOT the time to get lackadaisical. With restrictions being lowered and most of the restaurants, bars and shopping centers opening, we can expect a resurgence in new Covid 19 cases. Because many people will feel like Covid 19 is in the past, we see people in our area outside without masks and some people with half masks ie: nose out of mask. Since Covid seems to spread via air, folks who wear half mask are putting you and themselves in danger.This is in fact the time we must all be most vigilant. It is likely that 14 days from now will be the highest danger because many new cases will have occurred.
CDC found restaurants and bars as hot spots for covid transmission because of people not wearing masks. Consider the statistics in countries in Europe as well as the USA that have removed quarantine.
Wearing a plastic face shield (available at the Dollar Store) in addition to your mask is very important while shopping in crowded stores for protection from people who are not compliant. If you plan to eat out, please use extreme caution.
It seems like the danger of the pandemic has passed. Chris and I feel we have become complacent. We find ourselves not being vigilant about hand cleaner when getting in the car and often not always wearing our face shields. Use extreme caution and stay healthy and safe. Chris and Lorraine
Get Your PDF Being Prepared Guide Now 
Click Here to Enlarge Tree
NEW DONORS – NEW LEAVES for the Tree of Life
Auction High Bid Winners
Alan Cheek
Nancy Pettersen
Cheryl Crabbe
John Ferguson
Jennifer PascalAdd Your Name Donate Now To Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: (507) 6781-9250
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.orgPlease Donate Freely send this to anyone, use any part.
Our mailing address is:
info@boquetehealth.org
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Go See the Art Auction Extra Benefit
Winning Bids Over $100 get a Leaf on
The Tree of Life
To Make a DonationOur Mission
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us -
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Boquete Health and Hospice May Newsletter
in Boquete Health and Hospice
Posted
1 pm via Zoom Only
It is amazing. You can be aware of things, but until they touch your life it is an academic exercise. I have been aware of the Boquete Health and Hospice Blood Program and have even donated, but until early May had never had a need to use it.
Our neighbor called me early on Sunday saying her husband was having chest pains. We got him down to the MINSA clinic. Just 20 minutes later he was on his way to a hospital in David. I am so impressed with the care that the MINSA doctor gave him – she even went in the ambulance with him to David.
We got to the hospital, and after lots of tests, and many hours, it was determined that he needed surgery and that blood was required. The wife called me asking what to do. I WhatsApp-ed our Blood Team (6590-2000) and explained the situation. The BHH Blood Coordinator called the wife, for the details, then she called the Blood Coordinator at Hospital Regional. (all this at 8:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening). Within 30 minutes the Hospital Regional Coordinator was speaking with the surgeon, and all was arranged.
Without the blood program, our wonderful Blood Team, and the generous people who donate blood or money via our matching blood program, this would have been a much different story. Friends and family would have been begged to drive to David, fill out paperwork, get tested, donate, fill out more paperwork and drive home (sometimes this takes eight hours to accomplish). The surgery would have been delayed, and the outcome for the patient may not have been as positive.
No one ever expects emergencies to happen to them, but they do. Our next blood drive is in June. Please consider donating (you must be under 65 years of age) or helping with a matching gift. You, your family, neighbors or friends may be the next person to call for blood. We want to be there for you.
from the "Magic of Music" Team
Handicap Parking Permits
The Permit is prepared in PC, takes about 30 days.
An original “prescription” signed by Dr Diaz or another specialist in Internal Medicine is needed. It will include what device e.g. wheelchair the person needs.
Copy of Cedula, Drivers License.
Copy of the Cedula of the “responsible person”.
2 photos the size of the Carnet.
Copy of the Registration form of the vehicle.
Hang it on the rear view mirror.
There is no charge for this service.SENADIS David 777-5608. I called several times and got no answer. I was about to give up, thinking it was a wrong number, when got someone who told me the permit was ready for us to pick it up.
A huge thank you to our Translator Team this month! Behind the scenes, we have a tremendous team of volunteers who quietly assist with translation to ensure everything in our organization runs smoothly. Their work is quite vital to our organization. Many times they are contacted at the last minute to assist with calls from clients and families who do not speak English. Prior to the COVID lockdown, if needed they assisted the Administrator Team with client home visits, follow-ups and equipment demonstrations for Spanish speaking clients and families. Since home visits are not possible at this time, Translator Team members are actively assisting with a number of essential document translations that include updating policies, forms, resources lists, website content, marketing and training materials. They assist our Blood Team with blood drives and donations. Translator Team members also continue to serve as outreach members for new medical facilities. Recently, members of the team visited a new clinic to explain our services to the Spanish speaking staff. We want to thank Luis, Carmen, Claudia, Char, Marjorie, Susan, Tamera, Sally, Zaida and Noemi.
¡Gracias por todo lo que hacen!
Services:
We offer lodging, food (breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus 3 daily snacks) personalized attention and care 24 hours a day.
We have daily occupational therapies and the support of a general practitioner.
Medicine administration. Ordered by the doctor and supplied by the family member.
Costs:
We offer shared or individual rooms. Depending on the room to choose and the patient's condition, the cost of the monthly payment may vary.
Requirements:
Medical reference
Medicines instructions or schedule
ID copy of the patient and the responsible or family member.
We have 4 different locations:
1. Home & Care Altos del Golf, Panama City
2. Home & Care Coco Del Mar, Panama City
3. Home & Care San Miguel Arcangel, David
4. Boquete Home & Care, Alto Boquete
I’m at your services
Liz Cianca
Manager
After our interesting conversation last general meeting with Liz on having Covid, and Kelly having long-haul covid, we thought you may like to see the list of symptoms. The link to the full AARP article is below.
Common Long COVID Symptoms
Source: CDC
Wednesday, June 9th – 1pm
ZOOM ONLY
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83479158890
Meeting ID: 834 7915 8890
Add your leaf or flower or Lily. Click the button to make our tree grow.
Thank you.
Many Thanks to Our New Donors
Jamison Savage
Linda Rutherford
Laurie & Kelly Collie
Our mission is to provide palliative care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain; to inform and promote community health; and, to support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services.
BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation.
To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Merl Will-Wallace,our treasurer,at dharma49@icloud.com to arrange a time and place to pick up your donation.
You can also click here to make an online Paypal donation.
For more information visit our website: http://www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks Please Like our page and share the contents with your family and friends.
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
To Contact Us
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday Please!
Blood Donor Program:
WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, Please.
Email: info@boquetehealth.org
Our mailing address is:
info@boquetehealth.org