Breaking Barriers to Care: EMBARC and Sathya Sai Host First Medical Camp for Burma Community

Earlier this month, EMBARC collaborated with the Sathya Sai Organization of USA (Region 5) to offer a free medical camp to the Burma community. Sai has been doing similar medical camps for almost 13 years, but this was their first collaboration with EMBARC. The goal was to break down barriers to care by offering diverse medical consultations all in one centralized location without requiring state ID, insurance, or any documentation.

The turnout exceeded expectations. A total of 117 community members walked through the door, some seeking basic check ups, others dealing with continuing health difficulties, and many simply seeking medical care they had previously been unable to receive or afford. With the support of volunteer doctors and community volunteers, the camp offered a wide range of services: adult and pediatric consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, BMI screening, nutrition counseling, and even free reading glasses. Each person left with a folder of results, new resources- including information on free care clinics where they can continue to follow up on their health, and a better understanding of their personal health.

But for one individual, the camp may have done more than offer care - it may have saved his life. A 51 year old man who was unemployed for months without access to healthcare, attended the camp knowing he had high blood pressure. But when his blood sugar was tested, it showed a dangerously high result - over 500 - compared to a healthy number closer to 124. The medical team quickly understood the urgency and told him to go to the emergency room immediately. 

At first, he resisted but after a call to his church pastor and deacon, they drove him to the ER, where doctors found his blood sugar had risen to over 600. He was hospitalized for 3 days. 

Before he went to the ER he told our EMBARC staff that worked with him:

“Since I came to your clinic, I want you all to be aware that the doctor suggested I go to the ER. I am so grateful. I would have died.”

Later, after her was discharged, he followed up with another message:

“Because of you guys, now I will take care of my health and focus on my recovery.”

His story reminds us why these events are needed- not just for delivering care but for creating a safe and trusted space where people feel seen, respected and supported. 

This camp wasn’t run by professionals alone. It was driven by the heart of the community. 16 multilingual volunteers of all ages - including two 14-year olds stepped up to help interpret and guide patients. One teen reflected: 

“I learned how important it is to give back and how much we do when we work together, even if we’re all different.”

Another volunteer shared how inspired they were watching EMBARC’s staff, Lal Muani interpreting and helping:

“Seeing her help people made me realize how important it is to fill the language gap in our community.”

We couldn’t have done it without the Polk County Health Department and medical students from Des Moines University, who worked patiently with community members to provide medical screenings. An additional special thanks goes out to Tim Rowley at Franklin Jr. High School for generously providing the space for the event and going above and beyond to make the day a success.

And finally, heartfelt thanks to all the professionals, volunteers, and everyone involved. Your time and care made this camp possible.