Over 60 Volunteers Supported Greenspring’s Fifth Oral Rehydration Project

Residents and staff at the retirement community assembled 5300 kits for those suffering across the globe from dehydration.

hosted its fifth organized oral rehydration project on Jan. 31, 2012. 

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a method for treating dehydration often caused by acute diarrheal diseases; the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains the guidelines for ORT. 

In order to assist the WHO in this effort, volunteers worldwide participate in projects where they assemble oral rehydration kits consisting of salt, baking soda, sugar, and salt substitute. 

There are many locations throughout  the world where people are suffering from dehydration; they receive much needed support from oral rehydration projects such as those hosted by Greenspring annually.

"These ladies are old hands at this,” said Elke Martin, Greenspring’s volunteer coordinator, pointing out some of the repeat volunteers for the oral rehydration project. 

“This is such a wonderful project.  I volunteer for this every year,” said Dot Brown, one of the volunteers.  Brown proudly held up her measuring cup for sugar, which she indicated was made by the residents of the woodshop club at Greenspring.  

Over 60 volunteers were able to assemble 5,300 kits at Greenspring.  With the assistance of the Universal Aide Society headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, the assembled kits will be sent to countries where dehydration is prevalent; these particular kits will likely be distributed to Sierra Leone, the Philippines, Liberia, the Honduras, or Cameroon. 

Greenspring, one of 16 Erickson Living full-service retirement communities, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of which reside in the 1405 independent living units.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.