Chester Nurse Needs Donations For Dominicans

Alicia Greenemeier has service in her blood. 

The 29-year-old Sub-Acute Rehabilition nurse spends her days caring for individuals who are in need of assistance and support before they can live independently at home and spends her off hours as a volunteer EMT with the Chester First Aid Squad and in class at the college of St. Elizabeth.

But that isn't enough for Greenemeier, who is preparing for an upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic in March to improve health promotion and chronic disease management there and is hoping the community of Chester will assist her.

“This will be my first trip to the Dominican Republic, and I’m so looking forward to visiting up to 300 families and educating them in proper hygiene and oral health,” Greenemeier said. “The most exciting thing for me will be educating the kids. I’ve heard stories from those who went before me and am told it is truly a life changing experience.”

In collaboration with the Foundation for Peace and the College of Saint Elizabeth Nursing Department and Counseling Psychology Service Leadership Program, over 40 nurses, nursing students and psychology students and faculty from CSE and UMDNJ will be operating nurse-managed clinics where Greenemeier will be working.

Greenemeier is counting on the generosity of the local community to collect the following healthcare and personal hygiene supplies to take with her: washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste; prenatal, childrens’ and adult vitamins; antiperspirant; children’s and adult Tylenol; combs; dental floss; large bars of soap; shampoo.  

In addition to distributing supplies and “health kits”, the nurses and nursing students will teach classes to local health workers on a wide variety of health topics such as hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, prenatal care, and will also screen for diabetes and hypertension.

Those wishing to donate can drop their donations at the drop box at . Those who would like to arrange for pick-up, or make a cash, check or gift card donation, can contact Greenemeier directly at: 908-334-3085.  Donations will be accepted through March 1.