NEWPORT, Wash. – Fire Chief and Paramedic Shane Stocking with South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue is once again heading to the Puno Region of Peru for a medical mission.
This marks his ninth trip to Ayaviri as part of over 20 missions to Peru and Africa since 2013.
Stocking is one of the mission leaders and organizers. He focuses on group safety and medical direction, serving as the main logistical and medicine supplier for the team.
“It’s an honor and blessing to get to serve and lead this mission to Peru,” Stocking said. “There is something special and deeply emotional about caring for the amazing but underserved people in rural Peru.”
The mission is organized by Bella Health, a Denver-based health system, and involves a team of about 150 people. 50 are North American specialists, and 100 are Peruvian volunteers.
This annual mission provides essential medical services such as primary care, minor surgeries and dentistry. The team also offers pediatric care, physical therapy, psychology and optometry, complete with lab and imaging services.
Local teams in Ayaviri prepare all year for the arrival of the mission team, arranging transport for patients who often travel long distances for care. The region is a remote, high-altitude area with limited access to advanced medical services.
