Belize · Americas · Medical Relief Missions
Belize
This Medical Mission Has Been Completed
September 5, 2020 — September 12, 2020
Upcoming Missions in Belize
All Belize missions →There are no upcoming missions scheduled here right now. Explore all current missions →
More Upcoming Missions in the Americas
All Americas missions →
Mission Archive · September 2020
The Need
Join International Medical Relief (IMR) on this medical mission and health education tour in Belize. Visit the beautiful town of San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border and within walking distance of ancient Mayan ruins.
Our volunteer team will set up clinic inside of a private hospital in San Ignacio, where you will help to treat incoming and existing patients. Some of the more common diseases in this area include malaria, Chagas disease (kissing bug disease), dengue fever, and leishmaniasis. Other more serious conditions include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is women’s health. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another main focus of this mission is women’s healthcare, so you will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as empower women to seek higher education.
Our Work
This will be IMR’s inaugural mission to Belize — join us to help in this great work.
This Mission
Join International Medical Relief (IMR) on this medical mission and health education tour in Belize. Visit the beautiful town of San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border and within walking distance of ancient Mayan ruins. In partnership with IMR, you’ll be bringing much-needed medical and dental care to the town of San Ignacio. The primary focus of this mission is medical and dental relief. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for care will be high.
Lodging/Transportation
Your lodging will be safe, clean, and comfortable at a village resort that overlooks the town of San Ignacio — Cahal Pech Resort. At Cahal Pech, you’ll wander lush tropical gardens perched atop those Maya ruins, marveling at awe-inspiring panoramas of the Belize River Valley below. When you’ve had your fill, sink into spacious and comfortable accommodations. Swim all three freshwater pools. Each is known for soothing even the most harried traveler. Get a sneak peek of the resort here!
Highlights
San Ignacio is a town in the Cayo District of western Belize, on the banks of the Macal River. It’s linked to the town of Santa Elena by the metal suspension Hawksworth Bridge. On a hill south of town are the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech, abandoned in the 9th century. There is a small museum amid the plazas and temples. Nearby, the Rainforest Medicine Trail explores the medicinal properties of indigenous plants.
Extend Your Stay
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 · September 5, 2020
Arrivals
Day 2 · September 6, 2020
Facility Tour, Site Orientation & Clinic
Day 3 · September 7, 2020
Training Day
Day 4 · September 8, 2020
Clinic
Day 5 · September 9, 2020
Clinic
Day 6 · September 10, 2020
Clinic
Day 7 · September 11, 2020
Morning Clinic & Free Afternoon
Day 8 · September 12, 2020
Departures
Your Journey
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Please note: Independent flight arrangements should not be made until after the group flight is booked. You will be notified about the group flight at the Early Bird deadline.
If you are planning on flying independently and want to book your flight in advance, please contact Worldwide Navigators at travel@worldwidenavigators.com for the most up-to-date trip information before you book your independent flight. Thank you.
If you are not traveling on the group flight or joining an extension, please contact IMR at office@imrus.org if you wish to arrange transportation between your arrival airport and your clinic location.
Arrivals
You will land at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City with your team. Together, you will take the chartered transportation to your hotel located in San Ignacio to check-in. Your team will gather for dinner and orientation. During orientation, your team leader will assign roles for the clinic, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the communities your team will serve.
Facility Tour, Site Orientation & Clinic
After enjoying a group breakfast full of native, Belizean flavors, your team will transfer to La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital — the location for your clinic days ahead. 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.
Your hotel is located very close to the Guatemalan border and you are invited to explore the area. Many team members may want to wake early in the mornings to walk to see the nearby Mayan ruins.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Training Day
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.
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. 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 San Ignacio has to offer.
After clinic, regroup with your team at the hotel for a clinical debrief and team dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Today is your second day of clinic. You and your team will continue to serve the communities in Belize.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Today is your third day of clinic. You and your team will continue to serve the communities in Belize.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Morning Clinic & Free Afternoon
Again, you will wake early for breakfast so you can head back to clinic. This time, however, you will only work a half-day of clinic before heading back to the hotel to prepare for your free afternoon. In the afternoon, enjoy some time off to explore the area, visit the nearby Mayan Ruins (they’re within walking distance!) to celebrate your hard work the past several days of providing much-needed care to the community of San Ignacio!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departures
On your last day in the country, take one final walk around town or visit the ruins of Cahal Pech. Lastly, to make sure your trip ends on a positive note, chartered transportation will take you to the airport to ensure you arrive at least three hours before your return flight departs.
Your Journey
Extension Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Guatemala’s top spots? 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!
Flights & Prices
This mission has been completed. The details below are retained for reference; applications and early bird offers for this trip are closed.
Mission minimum donation: $2,700
For current travel arrangements and donation amounts, please view our upcoming missions.
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
Download the Team Guide
