Local

Reid Health doctor heads home to Puerto Rico for medical mission

RICHMOND — Hurricane Maria’s devastation to Puerto Rico hit home for a Reid Health physician.

Sara Diaz Valentin is a native of the island where her mother, two brothers and a sister live. She already had a planned vacation home this week, so she will turn it into a medical mission to bring medicine and supplies to hospitals in desperate need, Reid Health of Richmond, Indiana, reported in a news release.

>>>Dayton letter carrier receives Hero of the Year award for rescuing young girl

“It’s sad. These are Americans who are suffering,” Diaz said while gathering supplies and medicines donated by Reid Health or purchased with funds donated by physician peers across the nation, the release stated. “There is no path for me at this point. This is what my heart and soul needs to do to move forward.”

Diaz will leave this weekend.

>>>Springboro police chief assisting after Las Vegas shooting

"Because of the circumstances, a lot of people are getting cuts, rashes, asthma attacks, uncontrolled diabetes issues. Women are going into labor," she said.

Although she's not done it in a decade, Diaz, a urogynecologist, said she’s prepared to help deliver babies or fill whatever need she finds.

Download our free mobile apps for breaking news and weather

0
Comments on this article