Rochester unit to deploy Saturday to Belize

Published 8:34 am Friday, April 24, 2009

Soldiers of the 7212th Medical Support Unit, an Army Reserve unit from Rochester, will provide medical, dental and veterinarian care to outlying communities in the District of Corozal, Belize, as part of their two-week annual training.

The unit, comprising about 50 soldiers, will travel to Belize on Saturday and provide care through May 9. They will work in four teams, traveling to five communities during that time.

The medical team will provide basic medical care, medication and teaching materials to residents seen. The dental team will provide basic services to their patients, including exams, cleanings, sealants and extractions. The veterinarian team will provide care to the community’s animals including inoculations against disease. The education and training team will provide education on, HIV, pregnancy, basic sanitation and dental hygiene.

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The 7212th MSU is a self-sustaining unit, complete with cooks and supply specialists. They are working with the U.S. Southern Command and the government of Belize to provide this care as part of the Medical Readiness Training Exercise.

The Belize Defense Force will work with the unit, providing additional medical personnel, security and translators.

Belize is a former British Colony, obtaining their independence in 1981. Its population of approximately 320,000 has a per capita income of $8,500.