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The on Sept. 8, 2011, the Weekly Sentinel on Sept. 9th and Kennebunk Post on Sept. 16th ran stories on UNE's two-week transatlantic health, research and academic exchange in Ghana. Twenty-one physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and public health professionals provided direct care services and health education in the Sekondi/Takoradi regions of western Ghana.

The Coast Star noted that Kennebunk residents Karen Pardue, associate dean of the Â鶹´«Ã½Westbrook College of Health Professions, and Kathleen Taggersell, Â鶹´«Ã½Director of Marketing and Communications, were among those participating in the exchange. The Coast Star also ran a photo of Pardue and noted that she presented at the 2011 Excellence in Higher Education Across Borders symposium at University of Cape Coast.

The Post also interviewed Karen Pardue, along with professors Jen Morton and Dennis Leighton, and Megan Wyand, a physical therapy doctoral student, who participated in the exchange.  Wyand said, "The experience...reminds you of why you're in health care. Ultimately, you're in it to help people make big improvements in their lives."

The team treated more than 350 patients in two clinics in Sekondi and the rural community of Kansawarado for illnesses ranging from malaria, intestinal parasites, malnutrition and wounds, to chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. They also provided community health education on safe sex practices, STD prevention, and oral health.