By Jacy Terry
Ride for World Health stopped at Eastern New Mexico University April 10 to spread the word of what their organization is all about. The group’s 52-day biking trip will take them from San Diego to Washington.
The mission of R4WH is to “address global health disparities by focusing on education, advocacy, and fundraising which are addressed by utilizing a national cycling event as a vehicle for change,” according to the group’s Web site.
Six medical students founded R4WH in 2004 with the idea that healthcare availability could improve around the world.
“Each rider is passionate about educating others and creating change in the current health landscape, realizing that global health includes not only international health care issues, but domestic ones as well,” according to the R4WH Web site.
Each year, students raise funds for up-and-coming, sustainable organizations. This year, they picked HEAL (Health + Education + Action + Leadership) Africa, which works to help restore health, build hope, and help create a better future for all people of the Dominican Republic Congo, according to the HEAL Africa Web site.
The two other beneficiaries are Empower and Advance, and PODEMOS (The Partnership for Ongoing Developmental, Educational, and Medical Outreach Solutions). These organizations have similar visions to improve health and medical assistance to third-world countries and to educate people on how their contributions can improve these conditions.
R4WH riders this year include medical students from The Ohio State University, healthcare professionals, and volunteers. One couple embarked on this trip for their honeymoon.
The 20 students that participate in the ride earn credit toward a class. When they stop at Columbus, Ohio, they will attend their graduation ceremony before continuing to the end of their journey.
Anyone who is interested in partaking in the ride next year is encouraged to join. Volunteers have the option to do portions of the ride or the whole thing. Go to www.r4wh.org if interested to ride or make a donation.