Medical Mission Trips to the Dominican Republic
Thank you for your interest in IMR’s medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic! This is a very unique opportunity to work with populations that have little to no access to healthcare and make a huge impact on their lives.
The Need
IMR will be providing aid to the people of the Dominican Republic. This is both a medical and dental trip that will be based at a central location. It is our goal to provide aid in whatever manner is necessary to help with the medical and dental needs in the communities of the Dominican Republic.
While the island does have health centers, many are understaffed and undersupplied. Although most of the existing healthcare services are free, many children residing in group homes and on the streets are frequently unable to obtain care, even on an emergency basis. IMR will provide quality dental and medical services to help fill the need.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will educate patients on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. Together, we will treat a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses, some resulting from malnutrition. However, one of the major focuses of this mission is dentistry. All families and individuals with children in the communities are encouraged to attend; therefore, demand for dental care will be high. We will provide infant care as well, and strengthen the maternal knowledge of the mothers.
Lodging & Transportation
Throughout your time in the Dominican Republic, you will stay in hotel accommodations that will be centrally located near San Pedro de Macoris that will be safe and clean. While here, you will have easy access to many cafes and restaurants where you can sample the delicious local cuisine!
I can’t begin to convey the sheer admiration, respect, and love I have for all these people. This trip to Nicaragua, documenting International Medical Relief’s mission to make a very simple yet profound impact on the lives of those less privileged has touched my heart and helped guide it in a more meaningful direction. The bravery and unbridled sense of kindness woven throughout these people’s character and this experience has shown me something new and refreshing that I will never forget. From our IMR crew to the people of Nicaragua, you will be with me always.
Trip Highlights
The gratitude that you receive while working with the people of the Dominican Republic will be life changing and may inspire you to continue humanitarian work once you return home. Outside of clinic, your trip highlights will include the exciting ways you decide to spend your free day, the island’s culinary delights, and the breezy serenity of palm tree lined beaches.
You can visit the Catedral San Pedro Apóstol and explore more of the history of the island, spend some time at the Los Delfines Water & Entertainment Park, or just venture along the Iguamo River. However you decide to spend your time, you will welcome every opportunity to explore and cherish the island.
Food & Water
All food is typically provided during your stay. Please refer to your unique itinerary on our website to review which meals are provided each day. We may hire local people to cook for the team during our visit, or we may eat at restaurants or hotels. Lunch in clinic may include sandwiches made by the team or a feast prepared in your honor by community leaders. We recommend bringing snacks to eat during the day or evening or to supplement your lunch. High protein/high fat/high energy snacks are best. IMR also provides all of the drinking water for the team. Hydration and nutrition are extremely important for the health of the team. You are the best judge of your own health so please pack appropriate snacks and stay well hydrated on the trip.
Extend Your Stay!
You’re venturing across the globe. Have you considered extending your stay a few additional days to visit some of the Dominican Republic’s top spots? Join IMR on an exclusive three-day extension!
Spend three perfect days in the unexpected tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic: a country known for its warm people, lush mountain scenery and pristine beaches. Wander through the Dominican’s charming cobblestone streets and discover the history of its capital, Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the Americas. Explore the country’s mysterious caverns and lush subtropical rainforests; play in the sand on miles-long stretch of beach and dive into the underwater beauty of lively coral reefs.
By continuing your trip by three additional days, you will allow yourself to visit the world-renowned Ipanema. This is a neighborhood located in the famous city of Rio de Janeiro and is known for its namesake beach, incredible surfing, hiking trails, and spectacular sunsets. While exploring the beach, you can enjoy a sunset cruise or snorkeling trip. And, since you will already be in vibrant Rio de Janeiro, be sure you embark on a quest to summit Sugarloaf Mountain and appreciate the panoramic view of Guanabara Bay.
Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Full Mission (7-8 Days)
Crisis Management & Emergency Response
We take security very seriously at IMR. It is our job to ensure that security precautions are in place, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee your safety on the trip.
- We continuously review all current activities occurring on the ground, and we work with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy to know the ground situation to the best of our ability.
- A security training conference call is available to our volunteers where we detail our security procedures that are in place for the trip.
- We take many security precautions such as radios, a buddy system, emergency evacuation plan and security planning.
- We protect the privacy of our volunteers in the field and provide them with customized contact information for their use.
- During our mandatory briefing, team members review our safety protocols, evacuation procedures, protocols for illness, natural disaster and terrorism.
We provide training to our teams to be cognizant of their own safety and to be aware of their surroundings. - Several policies require teams to adhere to safety issues.
Trip Preparation
Donations to Our Himalayan Project Count!
Although each of our teams only have the opportunity to be a part of the IMR project in the Himalayans for a short time, IMR’s work in the Himalayans is long-term and sustainable. Your dollars are a direct investment into saving and changing lives. Your program fee is allocated to the overall mission while 15 percent goes directly into your personal logistics.
IMR supports the villages year-round. Our goal is to never uncover a need that we cannot take care of. We support the communities, the health clinics, the team year-round, and the patients when in need. IMR has provided five helicopter evacuations of patients in critical need from the circuit into Kathmandu. Whether it’s saving the eye of a 10-year-old boy in need of a very specialized optic surgery or providing knee and leg surgery for a young lady, IMR answers the call. Read their stories on our blog.
Mission Cost Breakdown
How does IMR use mission fees? See the complete mission cost breakdown below
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Payment Deadlines
To save $200, a 50% donation payment must be received 14 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date. Full donation payments must be received 4 weeks before the mission’s scheduled start date.
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, upload all your required documents and forms, and make a minimum of 50% of your donation payment by 14 weeks prior to your mission’s scheduled start date.
Flexible Flight Options
Volunteer with Airfare
You may choose to book a flight with us for an additional fee. Details on the available flight routing and US departure city will be announced on the Early Bird Date. Airport transportation to and from the team’s accommodations are also included with this option. Depending on your departure city, you may still need to purchase another flight in addition to this one. After this flight has been booked, you may contact our travel agent, Worldwide Navigators, for assistance booking any necessary additional flights.
Benefits of Flying at a Subsidized Rate
- Travel with other members of your team on select routing
- Fly on a subsidized ticket at a lower rate
- Transport to and from the airport included
Volunteer without Airfare
Many team members choose to book their flight(s) to and from the mission location independent of IMR. This is a great option if would like to extend your stay in the area to tour and explore, or if the routing from you home airport is more feasible for you. If you choose to fly independently, please note that your transportation in between the airport and the team’s accommodations will not be provided. This will need to be arranged separately. Our partner for travel, Worldwide Navigators, would be happy to assist you in coordinating flights and/or transportation. You can contact them at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.
Benefits of Flying Independently
- Extend your stay and customize your dates of travel
- Choose your departure location
- Customize your class of service
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Fundraising
IMR provides a fundraising packet to all registered trip applicants that is full of ideas on how you can raise support for your trip or for supplies to be utilized on this specific mission. When soliciting donations for any of our trips, success is completed through telling your personal story. Why do you want to go? Who will you help? Why their donation can help you achieve the ultimate goal. Tell your story to anyone and everyone. Refer your potential or active donors to our website or Facebook page and to your personal fundraising page. You may share your personal fundraising URL on Facebook and other social media sites.
Join Us in Making a Difference.
Bring much-needed acute medical and dental care to a beautiful, culture-rich destination. You can join an IMR medical mission team today!
