Glendale Adventist Leads Another Medical Mission to Noyemberian

Noyemberyan, Armenia – The staff and volunteers from the Glendale Adventist Medical Center started another mission to Noyemberyan where they are providing much-needed medical care and advice to local medical professionals.

The team consists of 15 doctors, 8 nurses and 8 technicians, educators and support staff who flew to Armenia on October 14. After a 12-hour flight and several hours of land transportation, the team finally arrived in Noyemberyan for the first clinic day.

“Sunday and Monday were incredible days of service to the people of Noyemberyan. So far, we’ve done 11 surgeries, and completed full medical screenings and management of about 300 people in the region. The appreciation from the staff and patients has been heart-warming,” said Glendale Adventist Medical Center chief operating officer Kevin Roberts in hospitalan update to the hospital’s members.

“This was the most chaotic day so far. Word has spread and the community is flooding the hospital with their medical needs. But that’s great because that is why we’re here! Thank you for the continuous prayers; we see God’s hand in action every day,” added Roberts.

The Glendale Adventist Medical Center purchased $80,000 of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in the U.S. and shipped them to Noyemberyan. Three tons of life-saving supplies and equipment were brought to Armenia by this mission.

The mission is a result of a special partnership between the Glendale Adventist Medical Center and Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region. The cooperation began almost a year ago when the leadership of the GMAC approached Armenia Fund seeking assistance. Armenia Fund helped identify a hospital in Armenia, assess the medical needs of the Noyemberyan region, establish and support an ongoing working relationship with the Noyemberyan hospital medical staff, work out a five-year plan of action, coordinate the program with all relevant government agencies, transport and clear over 3 tons of medical equipment, supplies and medicines as well as provide comprehensive logistical support of the mission on the ground in Armenia.

“What I like about this project is that it is not a one time shot. This is a comprehensive and detailed plan spanning many years that will significantly improve the quality of health care in Tavush region. I want to thank the President and CEO of the Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Kevin Roberts as well as all doctors, nurses and support staff for this wonderful program that literally saves lives in Armenia’s Noyemberyan region, whose population faces enemy fire every day. Armenia Fund is proud to be a partner in this great program and will continue to work tirelessly for the success of this unique undertaking in the future.” – said the Chairman of the Board of Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region, Antranik Baghdassarian.

Glendale resident, long-time educator and community activist Alice Petrossian was in Armenia when the Glendale Adventist Medical Center delegation arrived. She made a special trip to Noyemberian to visit the team and see them in action.

“I am so very proud of Dr. Arby and the Glendale Adventist Hospital team. What a sacrifice,” said Petrossian referring to Dr. Arby Nahapetian, who is one of 11 doctors on the mission. “When we first arrived, we were told Arby saved the life of a woman having a heart attack.”

“The doctors did over 10 surgeries per day. We saw a picture of a little girl who had a cleft palate & was operated & looked great. I was so moved, I began to cry,” added Petrosian.

In thanking donor, the Glendale Adventist Medical Center extended their special gratitude to Greg, Caroline, Ralph and Savey Tufenkians for hosting a fundraising dinner, which helped in defraying the costs of this important mission.