Hello Olo Family,

As some of you may know, I will be leaving NYC on September 10th to embark on a volunteer medical service trip to Nepal. I will join about ten other doctors, nurses, and acupuncturists to provide free, high-quality health care to residents of the Humla District of Nepal, the most remote and poorest region in the country. The reason I chose to enter the field of acupuncture is to help others—and this volunteer service trip is a true expression of compassionate care and knowledge in action.

During the Humla Medical Service Trip, a core project of the Humla Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, our group will trek through the Himalayan mountains and set up four mobile village clinics where we will offer treatment to hundreds of patients in need of medical care. Last year the Humla Fund volunteers treated over 700 villagers in the span of seven days, many of whom received their first ever health exam at that time. This year, our team will provide critical follow-up medical care for the villagers, and we will be working from sunrise until after sunset to ensure that everyone receives care (thanks the headlamps we're packing!).

This trip is so important to me because I’ll be able to use my specific skills and expertise to directly help those in need. While the population of the Humla District is 50,000 people, there is only one hospital, which has a shortage of doctors. As a result, most illnesses and injuries go untreated. Additionally, the recent earthquakes that recently ravaged Nepal have only worsened circumstances for residents.

If you are interested in learning more, or supporting the volunteer effort, please check out my Indigogo page.

I look forward to returning on October 6th and sharing my experiences with you. I will think of my wonderful Olo family while I’m away and I eagerly anticipate my return to see everyone.

Best,
Erika