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BIDDEFORD, Maine

Stephanie Bliss '09 organizes 'Glasses for Ghana'

University of New England Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) graduate Stephanie Bliss has organized "Glasses for Ghana" for UNE's upcoming trip to Ghana this August.

Bliss, a native of Hillsboro, N.H., graduated from UNE's MSOT program in May.  She is participating in an elective fieldwork at an outpatient pediatric clinic in Cumberland, and is studying for her certification exam and applying for jobs.

This is the second year that UNE is participating in the Ghana Health Mission, a multidisciplinary health mission trip to Ghana in West Africa.  "When I heard about the trip, I knew I wanted to get involved.  I have always enjoyed community service efforts, and am excited about this opportunity to use my skills as an occupational therapist," states Bliss. 

Last year's experience introduced students to health care as it is delivered in a developing country, while they provided valuable healthcare services and community health education to the people of Sekondi, Ghana.  A clinic was set up complete with triage, four provider stations, a full-service pharmacy, a waiting area for the patients, as well as a play area for the children.

There is a great need for reading glasses in Ghana.  Poor vision often hinders Ghanaians' ability to participate in their occupations as professionals, tradespeople and fishermen, etc.  Last year, at least 30 pairs of reading glasses were given out over a two-day period.  Bliss connected with New Eyes for the Needy, a non-profit, non-sectarian volunteer organization that collects and recycles new and used eyeglasses and distributes them to the needy. New Eyes for the Needy has donated over 190 reading glasses for the Ghana trip.

Bliss is seeking additional reading glasses (new and used).  Inexpensive reading glasses can be purchased at local discount department and drug stores. Monetary donations are also appreciated, and can be mailed to UNE Occupational Therapy Department, Proctor Rm. 320, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME 04103.  Please make checks payable to Ghana Health Mission.

Collection box locations are:

UNE Library, Portland Campus
Occupational Therapy Department, (Proctor 320), Portland Campus
Student Affairs Office, Portland (Proctor 2) and Biddeford Campuses (Decary 129)

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.