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
Inaugural Mission!
In Colombia, there are several basic health needs that can be effectively addressed during community medical missions. Access to primary healthcare remains a challenge in many underserved areas, leading to a range of treatable conditions. One prevalent issue is the need for basic healthcare screenings and preventive services as well as training and education on basic health needs. Women’s health is of critical importance to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. Additionally, infectious diseases, like parasitic infections and waterborne illnesses, are common in certain regions, requiring diagnostic and treatment interventions. Malnutrition and inadequate access to clean water also contribute to health problems, particularly among children. Chronic conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, often go untreated due to limited healthcare resources.
IMR aims to identify these cases and provide patients with knowledge while bringing them into the medical system for regular care and follow-up. By providing medical check-ups, vaccinations, education on hygiene and nutrition, and access to essential medications, community medical missions play a crucial role in addressing these basic health needs and improving the overall well-being of Colombia’s underserved populations.
Our Work
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.
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.
This Mission
Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city with a unique blend of healthcare needs and captivating cultural opportunities. The region faces healthcare challenges with disparities in access to medical services, particularly in impoverished communities. The city’s infant mortality rate, although decreasing, remains a concern, and access to quality healthcare is a critical issue.
Lodging/Transportation
You will stay in very clean comfortable accommodations with shared bathrooms. The accommodations, fresh food, and amenities will allow you to recharge and get ready for the next day. Transportation to clinic is safe with reputable drivers and enough room for all.
Highlights
Santa Marta is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. The Tayrona National Natural Park offers stunning beaches, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. Ciudad Perdida, an ancient archaeological site, is an intriguing historical attraction. Visitors can explore Santa Marta’s rich cultural heritage, including indigenous communities, vibrant music, and delicious Caribbean cuisine. By volunteering here, you not only provide essential medical care but also have the chance to experience the warmth and resilience of the local community while exploring the natural wonders of the region.
Extend Your Stay
Since you are already venturing across the globe, consider extending your stay by a few days to explore Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, and the surrounding areas on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators. Explore Tayrona National Natural Park, the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida, amazing beaches and reefs, and more! Contact Worldwide Navigators to help you plan the ideal extension.
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals and Orientation
Clinic
Clinic
Optional Training and Free Day
Clinic
Clinic
Depart for Home
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
-
Average High and Low Temperature in Santa Marta, Columbia ©WeatherSpark.com
-
Average Hourly Temperature in Santa Marta, Columbia ©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 Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta. 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 and Orientation
You and the team will fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta. Please arrive by 2pm. Upon arrival, your team will transport to your hotel where you can check in and freshen up. You will enjoy a hearty dinner and attend the team orientation to prepare you for the upcoming week of clinic. Your team leader will assign roles for clinic, address IMR’s clinic protocols, and discuss the communities you will be serving in and around Santa Marta.
Meals: Dinner,
Clinic
After a hearty breakfast of local cuisine at your hotel, you will head to your first day of clinic! Patients of all ages will be lined up to greet you as the team arrives, excited to receive the medical care that is so difficult for many of them to attain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
You will likely see many patients living with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Not only can you offer treatment for acute symptoms, you will have the opportunity to provide patients with education on their conditions and the lifestyle changes that can help improve them.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Optional Training and Free Day
You and the team will have the opportunity 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 will also have free time to explore Santa Marta with its quaint historic streets and colorful architecture. There are so many things to do and see, it will be easy to get completely absorbed by the culture of this wonderful city.
Clinic
Access to primary healthcare in Colombia remains a challenge in many underserved areas, leading to a range of treatable conditions. One prevalent issue is the need for basic healthcare screenings and preventive services as well as training and education on basic health needs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
On your final day of clinic you’ll likely reflect back on all those whose lives you touched during the week – and the lives that touched yours. Your patients will be grateful for the care and education you provided throughout the week, and we thank you for your service.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Depart for Home
You will have one final breakfast with the team before parting ways with your teammates. You may schedule your flight for any time you wish. Thank you for your service!
Meals: Breakfast,
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extensions
Since you are already venturing across the globe, consider extending your stay by a few days to explore Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, and the surrounding areas on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators. Explore Tayrona National Natural Park, the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida, amazing beaches and reefs, and more! Contact Worldwide Navigators to help you plan the ideal extension.
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $1800 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
$1600 due by May 27, 2024
$1800 due by July 28, 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 May 27, 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
