Medical Mission Trips to Haiti
Thank you for your interest in IMR’s medical mission trips to Haiti! 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
International Medical Relief supported Haiti after the massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the island nation back in 2010, where more than 220,000 people were killed and over 1.5 million people were displaced from their homes resulting in an increase in vulnerability to more humanitarian crises. That earthquake was followed with a 5.9 magnitude quake in 2018 and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in August 2021. These have further impeded on Haiti’s ability to build their health care system.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will work in a unique urban environment to educate locals 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, including cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, acute illnesses, infectious disease, and diarrheal disease. Also, you will treat lesser-known tropical diseases, including leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, and lymphatic filariasis. Your team may also treat large wounds from motor vehicle accidents.
In addition to medical care and education, one of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Another focus of this mission is the health of women and children. These at-risk populations battle sexually transmitted diseases, pre-eclampsia, malnourishment, parasitic infections, and domestic violence.
Our Work
IMR first traveled to Haiti in 2010 after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Since then, IMR has deployed 1,800 volunteers and staff and served more than 62,000 patients. Initially, IMR was able to provide surgical and disaster relief. We have since expanded our efforts toward preventative work and providing help for acute illnesses. On each full mission trip, IMR provides at least five days of clinic to over 25 different communities providing community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. IMR has built strong ties towards the community and our partners are able to provide translators as well as Haitian doctors, dentists, and nurses during each of the clinics. By partnering with them and training with community health workers, IMR is able to assist in the process of increasing Haiti’s own capacity of care.
One of Haiti’s largest obstacles is providing their community with basic care due to their lack of human resources. Large numbers of foreign health professionals are needed to cover Haiti’s health care shortage, but also to provide training to the native health care workers in order to improve and sustain the health of the community. IMR continues to achieve this goal by quickly responding to disasters, but also providing long-term sustainable care due to our emphasis on education and the partnerships we have created during our time serving in Haiti.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.
The Mission
The International Medical Relief (IMR) team needs your assistance as we continue to help the Haitian people improve their quality of life and restore a sense of normality. Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, exudes an incredible, diverse culture, where the people are proud.
The Haitian culture is incredible and diverse, with much strength and resolve. Come join IMR as we return to work with our Haitian partners and further build our bond with this beautiful population.
Lodging & Transportation
The team will stay in modest, comfortable accommodations. The primary hotel compound is gated, has private security, a wonderful restaurant, air conditioning, and a pool. Haiti is an excellent trip choice for families with younger children because of the accommodations. Modern buses or vans will transport the team to clinics each day. Small, open Jeeps will occasionally transport the team to smaller villages.
Haiti will always hold a special place in my heart, and what I learned will stay with me forever. I felt guilty coming back to my life here knowing what I was leaving behind, but I have a stronger appreciation for the little things in life. (Like not having to brush my teeth with bottled water anymore.) Thank you to everyone who supported me along this journey, and thank you to my IMR team – who knew 11 strangers could become so close in such a short amount of time?! I can't wait for my next opportunity to serve, whenever that may be.
Trip Highlights
The highlight of your time in Haiti is in clinic! You will talk about the vibrant and boisterous crowds, significant needs of your patients, and the opportunity to make a difference upon your return home. Haiti is a place you won’t forget easily. On your free day, there is ample shopping — hammered tin, beautiful paintings, edgy paper mâché vases, and lovely small carvings — from all over Haiti and the Caribbean. The shopping itself is exciting with rapid-fire bargaining and friendly competition among the sellers. Join IMR for a remarkable experience, a mere two and a half hours from the coast of Florida.
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!
Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Haiti’s top tourist destinations? IMR offers an exclusive extensions to its volunteers provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators.
Visit the lush, tropical park, Los Tres Ojos National Park in Santo Domingo, or get ready for adventure on a catamaran sailboat excursion along the Bávaro coast, and more!
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
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation helps to save and change lives everyday.
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!
