Bahamas

The Need

***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***

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 missions 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.

This 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.

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.

Extend Your Stay

Since you’re traveling halfway around the world, why not extend your stay to see some of the sites that make the Bahamas incredible? Contact our partner, Worldwide Navigators, to see the unique experience they’ve curated just for IMR volunteers! You can view their vast selection of extensions worldwide here, or contact them directly for an experience right there in the Bahamas at travel@worldwidenavigators.com!