Field Team Participation Fee Increase

The MEDICO Board of Directors has voted an increase in the volunteer trip fee to $700 effective January 1, 2009.   "It is with regret we must make this adjustment.  However as everyone knows, costs continue to rise, and it is comforting to know that MEDICO remains in healthy financial condition due to careful planning as well as dedicated financial support from our donors", stated Dr. Gretchen Ehresmann, president of the Board of Directors.  The increase of $25 from $675 to $700 is the first increase since 2004. 
For questions or comments contact the MEDICO office at: medico<at>medico.org

MEDICO Mourns the Loss of Co-founder, David Flowers

James David Flowers, 66, our beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Thurs., December 31, 2009.

Memorial Service was held Sat., Jan. 9, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., at Aley United Methodist Church, 1215 W. Cedar Creek Pkwy (Hwy. 85), Seven Points, TX 75143 conducted by the church's Pastor, Eston Williams.

David was born January 14, 1943, in Hopkins County to the late John and Ada Flowers. He graduated from Sulphur, Springs High School in 1961, where he played golf and basketball. At North Texas State University he received a bachelor's in banking and finance and was also a stellar golfer. There he met his wife of 43 years, Marian Hedden of Dallas.

David served in the Army National Guard and had a long career in retail management for JC Penney, Bealls and Sears. Most recently, he worked in sales for Southwest Stitches in Gun Barrel City, TX and was a member of the Cedar Creek Country Club.

One of David's great passions was his dedication to the non-profit humanitarian service group M.E.D.I.C.O. of which he and Marian are co-founders. M.E.DI.C.O. focuses on providing healthcare to remote areas of Central America. As a member of the Board of Directors, David organized fundraising and led at least 20 medical mission trips to Central America.

Additionally, he served on the Board of the Van Zandt Children's Shelter. He spent many days this year working on improvements to Richland Cemetery in Brinker Community, where he grew up.

He is survived by his wife, Marian of Canton; daughter, Melanie and her fiancé Dirk Brockmann of Germany; and son, Timothy of Kenedy. Other survivors are his four brothers, John and his wife Pat of Dallas, Larry and his wife Jan of Mabank, Andy and his wife Sherry of Canton, Gene and his wife Mary of Garland; as well as one sister, Nancy and her husband John Rooney of Beaumont. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

David lived a life committed to service and helping others. He was devoted to family and friends, exuding optimism and a contagious love of life.

MEDICO Endowed Scholarship Fund

Purpose: to provide financial assistance for field team participation, educational purposes or other identified needs that meet the MEDICO mission statement criteria.  This is scholarship is available to qualified individuals who complete and submits an application. The application will be reviewed by the MESF committee members.

To apply for this scholarship, submit request to medico@medico.org .

Funding assistance will be limited to five categories:

- North American resident doctors who wish to be a member of a MEDICO field team but need financial assistance.

- North American bilingual nurses who wish to be a member of a MEDICO field team but need financial assistance.

- Central American students preparing to enter the medical, dental, optometric profession.

- Central American village residents trained as public health care providers for MEDICO's A.V.I. program.

- Other identified needs that meet the MEDICO mission statement criteria.