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.
Overview
The Need
The health status of the population in Belize is marked by disparities in access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are on the rise, contributing to increased mortality and disability. According to recent health reports, approximately 13% of the population suffers from diabetes, while hypertension affects over 25% of adults, creating an urgent need for both preventive and ongoing care.
Our Work
International Medical Relief (IMR) actively contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) by addressing key health and well-being challenges in underserved communities around the world. IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density and fostering a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders
Our missions align closely with UNSDG Goal 3—Good Health and Well-Being—by providing critical medical, dental, and mental health services to those in need, while also delivering health education and preventive care to create lasting change. IMR’s efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, improve access to essential medicines, and promote health equity further strengthen the achievement of these goals.
Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving water quality. IMR assists with the installation of water filtration systems to provide clean drinking water and offers education on hydration and hygiene, contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of these communities.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, IMR works in collaboration with and at the request of local hosts, operating under their direct guidance and support. IMR only enters a country when formally invited and where there is a significant community need for medical or dental care, as well as health education. By aligning with these specific goals, IMR ensures that our missions not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term health and resilience within the communities we serve.
This Mission
International Medical Relief (IMR) is dedicated to creating sustainable healthcare solutions in underserved communities around the world. Through our medical missions, we work hand-in-hand with local partners to provide not only immediate medical care but also lasting health education, training, and capacity building. By collaborating closely with local healthcare providers and institutions, we aim to leave a lasting impact by empowering communities with the skills and knowledge they need to manage their own healthcare long-term. Our teams focus on delivering sustainable support through education and training, ensuring that our efforts contribute to a stronger, more resilient healthcare infrastructure.
In response to the medical challenges, International Medical Relief is mobilizing medical professionals to provide critical healthcare services, including medical, dental, and mental health support. IMR’s mission is to bridge the gaps in care by offering not only immediate medical attention but also sustainable health education to empower these communities in managing their health long-term. Your expertise in delivering much-needed care could play a pivotal role in addressing these urgent healthcare needs and improving health outcomes for the people of Belize.
Through this collaborative, shoulder-to-shoulder approach, IMR and its partners are helping to build a healthier future for communities in need, advancing global health one mission at a time.
Lodging/Transportation
On this IMR Clinical Trip, you and your fellow team members will be staying at a 2-star accommodation with safe, clean, comfortable rooms. The lodging is simple, basic, safe, comfortable, and affordable.
All transportation to and from the clinic has been arranged for you. Professional drivers, safe vehicles, and security are some of the many reasons to join IMR on a trip. Don’t nap – there’s a lot to see in the valleys and hills surrounding your home away from home this week!
Highlights
From the moment you arrive in Belize, the people and culture make you feel welcome and comfortable like no place you’ve ever visited. The natural beauty of the country and the inviting culture of the Belizean people are the highlights for this mission!
A unique aspect of Belize is the fact that its undeveloped areas have allowed for nature to live on in a way that draws biologists and environmentalists. With a laid-back ambiance of swinging hammocks, large swaths of impenetrable jungle, and an underwater world of twisted corals, neon fish, and gentle manatees, Belize is a tropical treasure.
Belize is home to many different ethnic groups, including Creole, East Indian, Mayan, and Mestizo, each with its own cultural and linguistic traditions. As a result, many languages are spoken here, but English is the official language. Belizeans of all cultures broadly welcome visitors as they are warmly greeted with large smiles.
When you’re not exploring the natural beauty of Belize, be sure to experience the local cuisine. Famous dishes from the local Garifuna people include a cassava bread called ereba and various rice dishes. Many of our volunteers find that the best part of their mission is the chance to experience some of the different cultures of Belize. With countless opportunities to do so, this will be a trip you never forget.
For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.
Extend Your Stay
After a rewarding week of service, take the time to discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Belize on an unforgettable tour. Nestled in Central America, Belize is a paradise for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. From its stunning Caribbean beaches and crystal-clear waters to its lush rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins, Belize offers a rich variety of experiences for every traveler.
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals
Facility Tour, Site Orientation, and Clinic
Clinic
Optional Training Day & Departures
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
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Average High and Low Temperature in Punta Gorda, Belize ©WeatherSpark.com
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Average Hourly Temperature in Punta Gorda, Belize ©WeatherSpark.com
Clinic Photos
Gallery
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
You will need to arrange your flight destination to be Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize. If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com. You may also choose to arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation, which you may purchase from within your portal under Trip Add-Ons.
Arrivals
You need to fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and arrive by 2:00pm. You will transfer to your accommodation to check in, then join the team for dinner and team orientation.
During orientation, your team leader will assign roles for clinic, discuss our community health education efforts in detail, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the communities your team will serve. Our partners will join us to explain the cultural components, medical landscape, and overview of the medical conditions prevalent in the area.
Meals: Dinner,
Facility Tour, Site Orientation & Clinic
After enjoying a group breakfast full of native, Belizean flavors, your team will transfer to your clinic location. Your team will take a tour of the facility, set up for clinic as needed, and have a site orientation. After preparing the site, your team will begin seeing patients this afternoon.
Clinics begin in the morning and run into the evenings. Your days will be long and hard, but also incredibly rewarding. After the clinic, regroup with your team at your lodging facility for a clinical debrief and team dinner.
Although all your meals are all included, you are welcome to go into town with your fellow team members to enjoy the excellent cuisine that Belize has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Clinics begin in the morning and run into the evenings. Your days will be long and hard, but also incredibly rewarding. The clinic venues are small, rural health centers. You will be joined by local physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who can consult on difficult cases or on those who need a higher level of care.
After clinic, you will regroup with your team at your lodging facility for a clinical debrief and team dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Optional Training Day & Departures
International Medical Relief will bring sustainable community and public health education and training to Belize. Local physicians, nurses, and patient care technicians are eager to learn! Our hosts will share their needs and we will develop trainings that bring value longitudinally.
Schedule a late afternoon or evening flight if you are interested in joining the team to 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.
You are welcome to participate in our training or spend time exploring the countryside before your departure.
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extension Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying across the globe. Have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Guatemala’s top spots not far from Belize? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators! Click here to browse their portfolio of trips. You can reach them at (970) 541-8827 or travel@worldwidenavigators.com to learn more about what they can do for you!
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $1500 will go toward the 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
Donation Payment Deadlines
$1400 due by August 19, 2024
$1500 due by October 20, 2024
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by August 19, 2024. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.
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.
Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- Transportation
- Lodging
- Costs associated with the clinic
- Food
- Tips for services provided to the IMR team
- All logistics, including translation services and security as needed
Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- International and Domestic flights to the country.
- Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
- Required or recommended insurance
- Vaccinations and medications common for travel
- Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
- Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
- Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
- COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
- Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Financial FAQs
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
Download the Team Guide
