Message from a Participating Doctor
Unless you experience it for yourself, you will never know what participating in a medical/dental brigade can do for you and your life. Prior to my brigade experience in Honduras in January 2008 I had always wanted to do something like this. I had passed up previous opportunities for one reason or another. Now, I intend to make Global Medical Brigades an annual expedition and this commitment will be the reason for passing up events at home.
The service you will provide is greatly needed and incredibly appreciated. Yet, you receive far more than you give. The Honduran people have helped me to appreciate everything so much more than ever before. To serve people who have very little but still celebrate life daily is humbling. These happy, loving people have a lot to teach us.
Global Brigades' programs are well planned and well coordinated. To be involved with such an outstanding organization is an honor. You will feel guilty about how well you are treated. But they do it out of respect and appreciation. I have never felt so rewarded for the services I provide as I did in Honduras.
I could write a book and still not say all I could about the benefits of participating in a brigade. One remaining thing I must point out is that the students who participate are exceptional. If you want to be taken back to your own exuberance as a student spend a week with dedicated, ambitious individuals who work with little to do so much.
If you don't have the most exhilarating experience of your life, get checked for Dengue Fever.
Don Blair, DDS- GMB trip Jan 08
Cottage Grove, WI
The service you will provide is greatly needed and incredibly appreciated. Yet, you receive far more than you give. The Honduran people have helped me to appreciate everything so much more than ever before. To serve people who have very little but still celebrate life daily is humbling. These happy, loving people have a lot to teach us.
Global Brigades' programs are well planned and well coordinated. To be involved with such an outstanding organization is an honor. You will feel guilty about how well you are treated. But they do it out of respect and appreciation. I have never felt so rewarded for the services I provide as I did in Honduras.
I could write a book and still not say all I could about the benefits of participating in a brigade. One remaining thing I must point out is that the students who participate are exceptional. If you want to be taken back to your own exuberance as a student spend a week with dedicated, ambitious individuals who work with little to do so much.
If you don't have the most exhilarating experience of your life, get checked for Dengue Fever.
Don Blair, DDS- GMB trip Jan 08
Cottage Grove, WI
GMB Slug History
Global Medical Brigade became active at UC Santa Cruz in the Fall of 2008. In June 2009, students from UCSC along with friends of the volunteers participated on their first medical brigade ever. Time and dedication has been spent doing community outreach, fundraisers, grant processing, as well as gathering donated medication, medical supplies, toys, etc.
UCSC GMB participated in various meetings and medical Spanish workshops to preparing ourselves for a week long medical relief mission. We hold fundraisers to help us fund our set goals for medication. Volunteers venture out into the Santa Cruz community spreading GMB's mission statement to local health private practices as well as pharmacies seeking for volunteering doctors and medication donation. Together, in June 2009, they raised over $32,000 (awp) in medication and supplies to run a week long brigade.
Global Dental Brigade was added in the Fall of 2009 and collaborated with the medical brigade to work as one unit to further the health treatment of the Hondurans. Students also seek out dentists in our local community as well as gather donated toothbrush, toothpaste, floss etc. We begin to educate ourselves through reaching out about dentistry as well as learn the many aspects of the field itself.
UCSC GMB participated in various meetings and medical Spanish workshops to preparing ourselves for a week long medical relief mission. We hold fundraisers to help us fund our set goals for medication. Volunteers venture out into the Santa Cruz community spreading GMB's mission statement to local health private practices as well as pharmacies seeking for volunteering doctors and medication donation. Together, in June 2009, they raised over $32,000 (awp) in medication and supplies to run a week long brigade.
Global Dental Brigade was added in the Fall of 2009 and collaborated with the medical brigade to work as one unit to further the health treatment of the Hondurans. Students also seek out dentists in our local community as well as gather donated toothbrush, toothpaste, floss etc. We begin to educate ourselves through reaching out about dentistry as well as learn the many aspects of the field itself.