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Medical Mission Trips to the Bahamas

Thank you for your interest in IMR’s medical mission trips to the Bahamas! 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 continues to aid the Bahamas to help build their local healthcare system. The Bahamas is in a vulnerable environment that is prone to natural disasters. Since Hurricane Dorian’s tragic landfall on nearby Grand Bahamas and Abaco Island, Nassau has experienced an influx of individuals as survivors seek refuge. Since then, the Bahamas became more vulnerable due to the destruction of local infrastructure and homes. This created a lack of access to clean water, toilets, and other resources that increases the community’s risk for diseases.

IMR works to support the community and rebuild a more sustainable healthcare system. This trip will help improve the wellbeing of the community through treatment and education initiatives. This is both a medical and dental relief trip. Flexibility is a key component of success for this mission!  Be prepared for a fluid situation that may require significant changes to the planned itinerary.  It is our goal to provide aid in whatever manner is necessary to help the people and the medical and dental communities of the Bahamas. Join our continued efforts to support the Bahamian people following the massive destruction Hurricane Dorian left in its wake.

Our Work

International Medical Relief quickly responded to the Hurricane Dorian disaster to help survivors as medical demands continue to increase in an already-strained system. IMR was able to send out 18 medical mission trips to the Bahamas through the months of September and October to provide disaster relief in 2019. IMR has since been able to expand our partnership with the Bahamas community to provide medical and dental relief, responding nearly 200 staff and volunteers to serve more than 3,000 patients. We offer community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations.

The Mission

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.

Lodging & Transportation

You and your fellow team members will be accommodated at a safe and comfortable hotel during the duration of your IMR clinical trip. Transportation will be provided to and from clinic each day. If you would like to join the group flight, be sure to complete your application and notify us of your interest by the early bird date. Airport transportation is included for anyone on the group flight, or can also be purchased a la carte through our partner, Worldwide Navigators, here.

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

Helping the people of the Bahamas to recover from this devastating tragedy is the highlight of this relief effort. Thank you for your desire to serve the people of the Bahamas – without people like you, they really will have lost everything. We are honored to have you on the IMR team.

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 journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Nicaragua to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Visit Big Corn Island, a lush, rustic and still mostly unsettled paradise, or walk the endless beaches and neighborhood trails lined with fresh fruit trees on Little Corn Island. Join us on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide NavigatorsContact Worldwide Navigators to book an extension or get more information.

Itinerary

Itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Full Mission (7-8 Days)

Arrivals

You and the rest of your volunteer team will fly into the Bahamas. If you are traveling on the group flight, you will board the transportation that will take you to your lodging for check-in. If you are traveling independently, please ensure your arrival is no later than 5pm. For those who are traveling independently and would also like to purchase airport transport, please see Lodging & Transportation for more information.

Upon everyone’s arrival, you will have your first team dinner, then orientation. During orientation, your leader will assign roles for the clinic, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the remote villages your team will serve.

Days 2-4

Clinic

For the next five days, you and your team will work tirelessly during clinic. Each morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast with your team before heading to your clinic site. Patients range from the very young to the very old, and you will see many families. All will be grateful for your care and concern. Your clinic days will be long and hard, but the incredible work that you do will be well worth your efforts!

Day 4

Optional Training Day/Free Day

You and your team will provide training for local healthcare providers to continue IMR’s long-term, sustainable education efforts. Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.

Days 6-7

Clinic

To continue achieving IMR’s goal of providing sustainable healthcare services, IMR provides communities in the Bahamas with health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. Your last day of clinic will be bittersweet as you reflect back over the week and the people who have touched your life.  You and the rest of your team will join together in the evening for a final farewell dinner.

Day 8

Departures

For those who have joined the group flight and/or airport transportation, your transport will greet you at your accommodation and take you to the airport with plenty of time to check-in and make it to your gate.

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

A service that we are very proud of at IMR is the preparation that each team and team member receives prior to the trip. All team members will receive a detailed briefing packet about the country you are serving. In addition to receiving background information about the country and the public health issues affecting local communities, you will also receive detailed information on fundraising, community health education topics, clinic protocols, and a comprehensive departure packet. All of these materials are critical to the preparation for your trip. Finally, a guide to the infectious diseases of the country is distributed to medical providers prior to departure.

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.

Security - $180
$180 3%
Staff & Logistics - $240
4%
Lodging and Meals - $900
15%
Insurance and Fees - $900
$180 15%
Transportation - $1,680
28%
Medical Equipment & Supplies - $2,100
35%

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

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

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!