About Us
Our Story
Liberia Medicals inc. (LMI) was born from a collective commitment to heal a nation and enhance the lives of its people. Our story is a testament to resilience, hope and the unwavering belief that healthcare should be a fundamental right accessible to all.
In the wake of a brutal 14-year civil war that ravaged Liberia from 1989 to 2003, the nation stood on the precipice of rebirth. With the support of the international community, Liberia embarked on the arduous journey of reconstruction. Many Liberians in the diaspora, fueled by the desire to contribute to their homeland’s recovery, held renewed hope for the future.
Yet, the scars of war ran deep and the healthcare system lay in ruins. Hospitals and clinics were strained for essential resources, leaving the population’s health in jeopardy. Limited access to advanced diagnostic services exacerbated an already challenging situation.
Liberia’s healthcare system was in dire need of modernization, particularly in the realm of diagnostics. Basic equipment, such as X-ray machines and laboratory facilities, were scarce, prolonging the course of treatment and burdening individuals with undiagnosed health conditions.
This critical need for accessible and reliable diagnostic services served as the catalyst for the inception of LMI. A group of dedicated professionals, both Liberians and friends of Liberia, united with a common purpose: to transform the healthcare landscape of Liberia and neighboring countries.
Our journey began with a clear mission – to establish a world-class diagnostic center in Liberia. We envisioned a center that would not only meet but exceed international standards, providing the people of Liberia with the healthcare they deserved.
Today, LMI stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the Liberian population and the broader region. Our commitment to quality, education, outreach and continuous improvement drives us forward on our path to realizing this vision.
As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we invite you to be part of our story. Together, we can make quality healthcare a reality for all, contributing to a brighter, healthier future for Liberia and its people. Join us on this remarkable journey of transformation and healing.
Our Mission: Affordable, Accessible, Accurate
Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible and accurate diagnostic services and expert consultation for all healthcare needs. Our skilled team delivers timely and precise diagnostic results that are essential for your effective and efficient treatment.
We collaborate closely with healthcare facilities, making us your trusted referral source. Additionally, we partner with the national healthcare program and the school of medicine to excel in offering you modern, comprehensive diagnostic services in an advanced learning environment. Our goal is to lead by example and become your preferred choice for diagnostic services throughout Liberia and beyond.
Our Values: Professionalism, Responsibility, Quality, Integrity, High Ethical Standards
At LMI, our values define who we are and how we operate. These principles guide our actions and decisions, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in all our endeavors:
- Professionalism: We approach our work with the utmost professionalism, maintaining high standards in every interaction
- Responsibility: We take our responsibility seriously, ensuring transparent and accountable use of resources
- Quality: Quality is non-negotiable. We are committed to delivering services that meet or exceed international standards
- Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and unwavering ethical standards
- High Ethical Standards: Upholding ethical principles is fundamental to our identity
Leadership Team
At LMI our journey towards creating a world-class diagnostic center is guided by a dedicated and accomplished leadership team. Committed to excellence and driven by a shared vision, our leaders bring a wealth of experience and expertise to every aspect of our mission.
Lowell R. Dargbeh
President & CEO
Lowell R. Dargbeh, our President and CEO, is a Registered Nurse (RN) with an impressive 44 years of experience. He received his training in Liberia and holds graduate degrees in healthcare administration and undergraduate degrees in business administration. Prior to his role at LMI, Lowell excelled in long-term care management, reaching directorship positions. He also served as a staff development and training nurse. Currently, Lowell is a supplementary clinical staff nurse at Duke Health System. His passion for improving healthcare services and unwavering commitment to quality are the driving forces behind LMI.
Martha S. Dargbeh, RN, BSN
Director, Nursing Services
Martha Dargbeh, a Registered Nurse with 41 years of clinical experience, trained in Liberia, previously worked at Providence Hospital and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She now serves as the Director of Nursing Services for LMI.
Dr. Rose Macauley, MD, MPH
Medical Director
Dr. Rose MaCauley, a graduate of A.M. Dogloitti School of Medicine and the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has extensive experience working throughout Africa for organizations such as the World Health Organization. She currently serves as the president of the West African College of Physicians and as the Medical Director for LMI.
Dr. Soenda Norman
Soenda P. Norman, MD, FAAFP
Family Medicine Doctor, Primary Care Doctor, Duke University Health System 2012 to present
American Board of Family Medicine, Family Medicine
Residency: Family Medicine, Chestnut Hill Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Network,
2001-2004.
Education: MD, Temple University School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, 2001
Married with two children
Charles Russell
Charles Russell holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting from the University
of Liberia, an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management,
and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management, from AT&T Steven’s School of Technology.
Mr. Russess is a Certified Information Systems Auditor and a senior IT Internal Audit Consultant
at Banner Health.
He’s a former broadcaster/radio host, at Liberia Broadcasting Corporation, Monrovia, Liberia;
former announcer, Great Gospel (WIMG), Trenton, NJ; and, owner and station manager,
Internet radio Station www.powerjamzFMMonrovia.com.
Mr. Russell is a board member of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA),
vice board chair, of the Liberian Association of Metropolitan Atlanta (LAMA), and former
president of the University of Liberia Alumni Chorus (ULAC).
He’s married with four children
Nya K. Boayue, P.E
Senior Roadway Project Manager
Registrations:
Professional Engineer, NC
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering – University of Liberia, 1981
Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering (Construction Management &
Transportation Minor) – North Carolina State University, 1989
Summary of Experience:
Mr. Boayue has over 29 years of experience designing highways—including 26 years
as a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) design engineer and
transportation engineering supervisor. Responsible for coordinating design activities
with other design disciplines, the NCDOT Highway Division, and construction
personnel. Addresses the concerns of all stakeholders ranging from Board members
and City officials to citizens whose properties are to be impacted. He prepared
design criteria, roadway superelevation, horizontal and vertical alignment design for
given design speeds, quantity estimates, and earthwork computations.
Susan Guptill
Board Member
Susan Guptill, a retired Public Health Nurse and administrator with a Master’s Degree in Nursing, previously served as the Director of Nursing and Community Health Division with Durham County Health Department. She now serves on the board of directors for LMI, bringing her extensive public health experience.
DeDreana Freeman
Board Member
DeDeana Freeman, a member of the city council of Durham, NC, and special assistant to the president for East Durham Children’s Initiative, brings her expertise in communication, strategic planning and data analysis. DeDeana now serves on the board of directors for LMI.
Dr. Margaret F. McCann
Board Member
Margaret McCann, a retired epidemiologist with a doctorate in epidemiology, has worked in various roles at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health and FHI 360. She now serves on the board of directors for LMI, contributing her expertise to our mission.
Dr. Glenn Walters
Assistant Chief Executive Officer & Board Member
Glenn Walters, a licensed professional engineer with a doctorate in environmental sciences and engineering, currently works at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has extensive experience in research equipment design and studies related to public health, particularly in water quality and sanitation. Glenn serves as the assistant chief executive officer and a board member of LMI.
Eva Marmon-Halm
Treasurer & Board Member
Eva Marmon-Halm oversees financial management and plays a key role in ensuring the responsible use of resources. Her financial acumen is crucial in supporting our fundraising and financial sustainability efforts.
Our leadership team is united by a shared commitment to advancing healthcare in Liberia. Together, they lead LMI in our mission to provide quality diagnostic services, elevate public health awareness and become the preferred choice for diagnostic services in Liberia and neighboring countries. Their dedication and expertise drive us closer to our goal of transforming healthcare in Liberia, one step at a time.
Our Commitment
LMI stands at the forefront of addressing this critical gap. We are committed to delivering the following:
- Quality Diagnostic Services: We aim to provide a wide range of diagnostic services, including radiologic studies, laboratory tests and more, all meeting or exceeding international standards
- Education and Training: LMI will collaborate with educational institutions to offer training and education in diagnostic science, nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals
- Outreach Services: Through strategic partnerships with healthcare facilities, we will identify diagnostic deficiencies, fill gaps and provide vital educational support
- Health Education: Our seminars, workshops and public health initiatives will raise awareness and knowledge about preventive healthcare practices
Our Strategy
To realize our vision, we have devised a strategic plan that includes:
- Establishment: Registering a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to operating a world-class diagnostic center in Liberia
- Collaboration: Engaging with organizations renowned for their expertise and garnering support for essential equipment and technical training
- Implementation: Identifying a suitable site, fundraising for facility construction and commencing interim laboratory operations
- Professional Development: Investing in staff development and continuing education programs to ensure the highest standards of care
Get Involved
You can be a part of our mission to improve healthcare in Liberia. Here’s how you can help:
- Send Donation: Your support keeps our mission alive. Donate securely online or through traditional methods like cash and checks sent by mail
- Become a Volunteer: Join our network of change-makers. Your time and skills can make a significant difference in the lives of Liberian people
- Send Supplies: Equip our technicians with the resources they need to serve those in need. Your support bridges the healthcare gap
Contact Us
Your questions, feedback and collaboration ideas are always welcome. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through the contact information below or by using the provided contact form.
- liberiamedicalsinc@gmail.com
- 984-312-5240
- 3702 Sandy Ridge Lane, Durham, NC 27705 USA