2006 Medical Mission Trip to Honduras

One World Running was started in 1986. Since then, it has grown to an international organization which provides new and "near new" running shoes and sports equipment to needy youth around the world. In providing the shoes, our volunteers have noticed the great health care needs in the villages and towns receiving the equipment. In the past three years, we have started providing medicine in conjunction with putting on 5K run/walks which teach people about exercise and the need for preventative health care. In April of 2006, we have planned a four-day working medical clinic in a small village north of the port of Tela, Honduras. The village is called Miami (also known as Baravieja); the people there have expressed great interest in having us come and do medical work and put on a 5K run/walk. A thorough assessment was made last year, and based on the health care needs of the people of the village we agreed to bring a group of medical and non-medical volunteers to Miami. This clinic will be run by nurses, MDs, nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants- whichever of these medical professionals are available to go to Honduras in April. Our goal is to provide primary medical care and teach health education and prevention. The plan is to have some group members return in three months in order to evaluate how locals responded to the clinic, and to treat those in further need. Other medical specialties can be introduced at this time, based on the community's needs. As One World Running is involved in the connection between sports and health, we will hold a 5K run/walk at the end of the four-day clinic. People from the local villages will be participating.

Here is some basic trip information:

What kind of village is Miami? It is a poor, rural community on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, populated by Garifuna, descendents of slaves who escaped shipwreck centuries ago and settled along the coast.

Where is the clinic?

The clinic will be held in the community house on a beautiful spot on the beach that the locals use for community events. There is no electricity in Miami. Generators will power all instruments used. The nearest hospital is in Tela, a 40-minute drive from Miami. We will stay in the community house, in basic conditions. All food will be provided.

Do I need to be a Medical Professional to come on the trip?

No. This trip is for anyone interested in helping out the villagers.

Cost of the Trip:

Being formulated. The group will meet in Miami, Florida, April 7 and fly to San Pedro Sula, the second-largest city in Honduras. We will stay in San Pedro Saturday night then drive to Miami Sunday. The clinic starts Monday and goes through Thursday, with full work days expected. The 5K is on Friday. Afterwards, we will drive to Copan, to visit the wonderful Mayan ruins. We will stay in Copan Friday, and return to San Pedro Saturday night. We will fly back to the U.S. Sunday; volunteers will have the option of staying longer to visit Roatan or some of the other sites in Honduras.

What do I need to bring?

Details will be forthcoming, but you can expect to bring sleeping material and one suitcase for medications. For more information and details, contact Ana Weir, RN, at ana@oneworldrunning.com or (303) 473-1314.