Brigade Logistics
How long is the medical brigade?
The brigade lasts for 7 days.
When is this year's medical brigade?
Virtual brigade over winter break term.
In person brigade to Panama May 2021. Check back for more info!
Where is the medical brigade going to be?
Panama. We will not know the exact location of our medical brigade until about 2 weeks before our flights depart. This is the way that Global Brigades structures the medical brigades so that every community gets visited within the right amount of time.
Are there any health or safety risks I should know about?
You will always be chaperoned by security while in Panama, which prevents any safety risks.
Health risks include malaria and other tropical diseases, but you will be required to use prophylaxis (in the form of malaria pills, vaccinations, etc.) before leaving the United States. Minor stomach/digestion issues are typical while in the region but nothing worse than a stomachache in most cases. Bottled water will always be provided, including for use while brushing your teeth and for other hygiene needs.
How much does it cost?
Last year, it cost about $1850.00-$2000.00 (some variances due to airport of departure for some students) with a breakdown similar to:
How can I afford that?
Members of the University Honors Program may apply Honors Opportunity Awards to the cost of the medical brigade.
Other financial aids and research grants may be available, online research and other investigation is recommended.
Any donations made to help pay for your brigade costs are tax deductible, so definitely advertise that to your relatives (consider asking for donations for the brigade for birthday/holiday presents, etc.).
What does the average brigade schedule look like?
The brigade lasts for 7 days.
When is this year's medical brigade?
Virtual brigade over winter break term.
In person brigade to Panama May 2021. Check back for more info!
Where is the medical brigade going to be?
Panama. We will not know the exact location of our medical brigade until about 2 weeks before our flights depart. This is the way that Global Brigades structures the medical brigades so that every community gets visited within the right amount of time.
Are there any health or safety risks I should know about?
You will always be chaperoned by security while in Panama, which prevents any safety risks.
Health risks include malaria and other tropical diseases, but you will be required to use prophylaxis (in the form of malaria pills, vaccinations, etc.) before leaving the United States. Minor stomach/digestion issues are typical while in the region but nothing worse than a stomachache in most cases. Bottled water will always be provided, including for use while brushing your teeth and for other hygiene needs.
How much does it cost?
Last year, it cost about $1850.00-$2000.00 (some variances due to airport of departure for some students) with a breakdown similar to:
- ~$1190 Program Fee (includes lodging, clean drinking water, all meals [vegetarian options provided], transportation to and from airport and to and from the clinic in Panama, Spanish translators, security, etc.)
- ~$750-850 Airfare to Panama (costs of airfare fluctuate and it may be cheaper this year because we will be able to purchase tickets farther in advance than last year)
How can I afford that?
Members of the University Honors Program may apply Honors Opportunity Awards to the cost of the medical brigade.
Other financial aids and research grants may be available, online research and other investigation is recommended.
Any donations made to help pay for your brigade costs are tax deductible, so definitely advertise that to your relatives (consider asking for donations for the brigade for birthday/holiday presents, etc.).
What does the average brigade schedule look like?
More Detailed Brigade Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Volunteers will be greeted by Global Brigades staff at the airport. After traveling to lodging facilities, the Program Lead will conduct a Program Orientation to introduce the students to the compound and its accommodations.
Day 2: Sorting Medicine
On the second day, the group will have a second orientation and be introduced to the program, the staff, and the week's itinerary. Later, volunteers will begin sorting medicine that they have collected and brought to Panama.
Day 3-5: Community Brigade Days
Days 3, 4, and 5 will be spent in the community, offering medical care for the community members. Students will be running the entire brigade from triage to pharmacy. If the brigade is doing a public health pilot, some brigaders will simultaneously be working on public health projects.
Day 6: Community Household Visit Day
On the 6th day community members volunteer to invite brigaders into their homes to partake in a knowledge exchange and to discuss cultural differences by means of informal conversation. During this experience volunteers develop a closer relationship with the community members while identifying many of the root causes to the health issues they have encountered throughout the week.
Day 7: Airport Departure
After the brigade, students return home to share their experiences. Transportation will be provided to airport.
Volunteers will be greeted by Global Brigades staff at the airport. After traveling to lodging facilities, the Program Lead will conduct a Program Orientation to introduce the students to the compound and its accommodations.
Day 2: Sorting Medicine
On the second day, the group will have a second orientation and be introduced to the program, the staff, and the week's itinerary. Later, volunteers will begin sorting medicine that they have collected and brought to Panama.
Day 3-5: Community Brigade Days
Days 3, 4, and 5 will be spent in the community, offering medical care for the community members. Students will be running the entire brigade from triage to pharmacy. If the brigade is doing a public health pilot, some brigaders will simultaneously be working on public health projects.
Day 6: Community Household Visit Day
On the 6th day community members volunteer to invite brigaders into their homes to partake in a knowledge exchange and to discuss cultural differences by means of informal conversation. During this experience volunteers develop a closer relationship with the community members while identifying many of the root causes to the health issues they have encountered throughout the week.
Day 7: Airport Departure
After the brigade, students return home to share their experiences. Transportation will be provided to airport.
