VIDA HAWAI'I

VIDA provides free healthcare to underserved communities in Central America. As part of the medical team, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in the health care field while traveling abroad. Throughout your time abroad, you will learn to take vitals, document patient medical history, assist in patient evaluations, take basic physical exams and participate in case discussions. In our most recent trip of to Guatemala (2021), we were able to help 215 patients over 6 clinical days! This program is truly a life-changing experience for both the volunteers and those who receive our care.

The VIDA Veterinary Team is able to set up free cat and dog spay and neuter clinics throughout communities in need. It is a great opportunity for any level of experience in veterinary care. The doctors are calm and patient and always make sure you are doing the right thing, and more importantly, help you to understand why you are doing what you're doing. The vet team is such a unique experience because you get to stay with your patient throughout the entire process. From assessing the patient in intake to assisting and monitoring during surgery, and caring for the animal during recovery. This is all leading up to our favorite part which is handing the pet back to their family. If you are interested in studying Veterinary medicine in any capacity this is easily the best team and family you can join.

The dental team is dedicated to helping underserved communities by providing dental care in the form of assisting the lead dentists with teeth cleanings, scaling, extractions, and more. The Dental team usually has the smallest number of members but, it's a great thing because you are able to bond with your teammates, and lead dentists better. You would be a great fit for this team if you are in any way, shape, or form interested in the dental field. Joining the team and serving patients solidifies interest and passion for the dental field and dental hygiene.

"Guatemala is the biggest country in Central America. Unfortunately, it also sets a record by having one of the highest disparities between rich and poor as well as one of the highest poverty levels worldwide, with 54% of the population living below the poverty line in 2006 and 54% in 2011.

According to USAID, Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world, and a large prevalence of diabetes and heart disease. Despite the urgent need, it is estimated that basic health services meet less than half of the rural population needs.

As a result of the lack of prenatal care, the proportion of maternal mortality is 113 deaths per 100,000 live births. The lack of effective referral systems also limits the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system, and presents an important barrier to effective care in emergency situations."

via Vidavolunteers.org

"Despite having a relatively strong primary health care system, Costa Rica still has many challenges to address. Mortality from circulatory diseases increased from 25 per 100,000 deaths in 1990 to 120 in 2010, and there was a 48 percent increase in all types of cancers from 2003 to 2013 [1]. Consequently there is a need to increase health care capacity to provide comprehensive and integrated services to address these major causes of mortality."

via Vidavolunteers.org