Global Institute Collaborates with U.S. Navy for Medical Mission
The disaster response and humanitarian aid program is contributing to this year’s initial Continuing Promise voyage to train Grenada first responders.
A special sendoff at PortMiami marked the launch of the USNS Comfort’s latest medical mission, with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Global Institute for Community Health and Development joining as a key collaborator on the humanitarian voyage.
The mission is the first voyage of the year for Continuing Promise, an annual event conducted by the U.S. Navy to foster partnerships in medicine and patient care across the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The Importance of Partnerships
“Being a part of this event is a significant honor, as it highlights the important partnership between local organizations, the University of Miami and the broader humanitarian community,” said Elizabeth Greig, M.D. ‘10, professor of medicine at the Miller School and co-director of the Global Institute. “It’s also an opportunity to witness firsthand the commitment to global health, disaster response and the spirit of service that the USNS Comfort represents.”
Several representatives from the Miller School attended the reception, including Eduardo Alfonso, M.D., director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and Barth Green, M.D., executive dean for global health and community service and founder of the Global Institute. Vincent Torres, associate director of disaster management at the Global Institute, and Elyzabeth Estrada, its assistant director of disaster management, also attended.
Shared Humanitarian Spirit
Since 1987, the USNS Comfort has served as a Mercy-class hospital ship, supporting both military operations and disaster relief. Outfitted with a full hospital, its mission is to deliver mobile medical and surgical care to U.S. forces and humanitarian aid during crises, work the Global Institute proudly supports.
As part of the sendoff reception, U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey of the U.S. Southern Command gave remarks. Dignitaries and representatives from partner organizations also took part in the program, offering support for the crew and medical personnel.
“This moment recognizes the collaborative efforts between the military, health professionals and community partners,” Estrada said. “As we celebrate the humanitarian mission ahead, we are proud to have our staff and doctors staying aboard the ship’s first medical mission of the year. We hope to have an even greater presence in future voyages.”
Dr. Greig joins Torres and Stephen Martell, senior paramedic at the Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education, for the mission. The group will go to Granada to train the country’s first responders, ministry of health and emergency management teams.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Tags: disaster response, Dr. Elizabeth Greig, Global Institute for Community Health and Development