HEALTH CARE TEAMS

The United Methodist Mission Church in Honduras is very appreciative of the efforts of UMVIM health care teams who make the decision to share their health care expertise with the people of Honduras.  The Church is open to all areas of health care including, but certainly not limited to, medical doctors and nurses in general practice with particular emphasis on pediatrics, women's health, and family medicine.  Our current medical emphasis is on preventive health, and general internal medicine, and we are working on developing opportunities for UMVIM volunteers in major surgical practice.  As surgical treatment is indicated we are in a position to make the appropriate referrals to surgical centers in major cities in Honduras.  Important health care practices that are of great value include dentistry, health education, optometry, HIV, and children's and women's health.

The Church has committed to the ongoing development of health care services for the poor of Honduras.  In 2008 the Church increased staff to include an UMVIM Health Care Coordinator.  Ongoing dialogue with the Health Ministry of Honduras is underway to explore potential synergies of church and governmental health service effort.  The health care ministry is continuously working on methods to advance the level of our capability to provide greater and greater levels of health care for  the poor. 

The following links will provide information that will assist health care teams prepare for, embark on, conduct, and successfully complete health care mission trips to Honduras

HEALTH CARE MANUAL:  A manual that advises health care teams how to prepare for and what to expect on a short-term health care mission to Honduras.  I provides references and contacts for getting a team fully prepared to be effective in Honduras.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL:  Short information sheets in both Spanish and English that will assist in providing topical information on important health matters to those who need it most.  These materials can be used in conjunction with health care clinics or as a basis for a larger community health education endeavor.