On September 27, 2023, Los Alamos National Lab highlighted a nurse at the lab who has been volunteering in Olanchito, Honduras since 2006. In Olanchito, Shannon collaborated with a specialized medical team focused on phlebology, which involves diagnosing diseases and conditions related to veins and leg ulcers according to a press release.
Los Alamos National Laboratory announced, "For 15 years, Shannon Griffin has volunteered to give free medical care to Hondurans, and this year she shared that experience with her son."
Shannon Griffin has been fulfilling the role of a triage nurse in a town of 100,000 people during volunteer missions organized by the Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation. Over the past 15 years, she has returned to this community every March, except for two pandemic-affected years. Her work has primarily revolved around assisting a doctor specializing in phlebology, focusing on conditions like varicose veins, which result from weakened vein elasticity and valve function and are more prevalent in postpartum women, particularly those with multiple pregnancies, though they can also be influenced by genetics, weight, age, and occupations requiring prolonged standing according to a press release.
“Everyone comes back with a feeling that’s almost indescribable, except to say that it’s nice to do something that’s not for yourself,” said Shannon Griffin according to a press release.
Honduras faces a severe shortage of medical professionals, with only five doctors per 10,000 people, a ratio deemed extremely low by the World Health Organization. In contrast, neighboring countries like El Salvador have 29 doctors per 10,000 people, while Guatemala has 12.5. Compounding this issue, most healthcare facilities are located in urban areas, leaving nearly half of the population in rural, mountainous regions with limited access to healthcare services, including specialized fields like phlebology according to a press release.
“I did the math recently, and I estimated that the Honduras clinic probably sees on average 550 people each year,” said Shannon Griffin according to a press release. “Over all my trips, that’s 8,000 people I’ve been able to help.”