DON & CARMEN REGAN
Sandy Nichols
introduced Dr. Regan and he in turn introduced his wife, Carmen Enciso. Dr. Regan, a practicing audiologist, owns and operates an audiology and hearing instruments business, The Clinics, in Arroyo Grande. He is an Honorary International Rotarian. He and his wife perform medical missions for deaf children in Compostela, Mexico, several times each year.
In concert with the Rotary Club of Compostela, the Regan's travel to Mexico 2-3 times each year to run a hearing clinic for children within the area. Each time, they examine and treat 50-100 children and adults; and, distribute 35-50- hearing aids. Carmen is the language translator for the operation. There first visit, four years ago, was sponsored by the Rotary Club of SLO, a sister club of Compostela, and they fell in love with the people and knew that this would be a continuing effort for them. Each time, they fly/drive to the area, it takes about $4,000. Carmen said, "It's a very rewarding experience; the Rotary Club there is very helpful and well organized." Dr. Regan said, "We have examined children as early as three months old and one man, 104 years old." They have trained a person in the area who manages technical issues and provides batteries for the hearing aids. They are there for a total of eight days, three of them extremely intense operating in the clinic. Representatives of the Rotary Club of Compstela are expected to visit this area soon.