Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Timmy Global Health

Tufts University Medical Brigade

January 5-12, 2013

Trip:Tufts Timmy Brigade - Guatemala

International Programs Coordinator:Kathy Morris

Student Trip PriceMed Prof Trip Price

Trip Cost (Ground Only):$805.10 Trip Cost (Ground Only):$905.10

Trip Cost Total:$1,557.60 Trip Cost Total:$1,657.60

OVERVIEW

Timmy Global Health’s Tufts Medical Brigade is an opportunity for members of the Tufts University chapter of Timmy Global Health and medical professionals to get involved with Timmy’s international medical work. During the brigade week, volunteers that are not medical professionals will still contribute to the medical clinics, assisting with triage (vital signs and patient history), pharmacy (pill counting and labeling), fluoride treatments, public health education, and some physician shadowing.

This brigade is part of the organization’s “continuum of care” in Guatemala. Timmy Global Health works hard to provide continuity in the communities where we work by plugging different universities into our international clinics on a rotating basis, every 2-3 months, throughout the year. This makes it possible to follow up with critical care patients, treat chronic conditions, and increase the overall quality, sustainability, and impact of our short-term medical clinics.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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Kathy Morris

Programs Coordinator

Timmy Global Health

Tel: (317)920-1822

Cell: (502)639-5680

Anna Butterbaugh

Office Manager

Timmy Global Health

Tel: (317)920-1822

Cell: (574)276-4536

Anna Pollock

Medical Project Coordinator

Timmy Global Health

Cell: +502 3021-2095

Carmen de Alvarado

Director of Social Programs

Pop Wuj - Guatemala

Tel: +502 4133-5659

Ronny Alvarado Gamarro

Director of Health Programs

Pop Wuj - Guatemala

Tel: +502 4280-8057

Juan Antonio Loarca

Transportation Manager

Pop-Wuj - Guatemala

Tel: +502 4537-3888

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ACCOMODATIONS

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Hotel Los Olivos S.A.

13 Av. 3-32, Zona 1

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Tel: +502 7761-0215

Hotel Santa Lucia III

6a Av. Norte #43

Antigua, Guatemala

Tel: +502 7832-1386

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ITINERARY FROM BOSTON

Saturday, January 5, 2012

Saturday, January 5, 2013 4:30am team meets at Boston Logan International Airport
Group DEPARTURE
Airline Carrier: / American Airlines / 2189 BOS MIA 6:30A 10:10A
983 MIA GUA 1:00P 2:45P

Anyone booking an individual flight should plan to either meet the team in Miami on American Airlines flight 983 or meet up with the team at the Guatemala airport, arriving no later than 3:30pm.

Our main facilitator for much of the week in Guatemala will be Nitin Shrivastava, Timmy’s Medical Brigade Coordinator in Guatemala. The group will also be assisted by Roney Alvarado Gamarro, the director of the health program at our partner organization in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, Pop Wuj, and Carmen de Alvarado, the director of social programs at Pop Wuj. Both will be on-site with us throughout the week.

Upon arrival we will be met by Pop Wuj’s principal driver, Juan Antonio Loarca, who will help us load luggage into our private transportation. We will stop in Guatemala City for a short dinner before proceeding to Antigua, where we will be staying for the evening. We will have dinner and other activities planned in Antigua that evening.

Sunday, January 6, 2012

Sunday morning will be spent touring and purchasing handicraft items in Antigua. Many of the products will be representative of the rich Mayan culture which is still thriving in Guatemala. We will check-out of the hotel shortly after lunch and depart for Quetzaltenango thereafter.

Sunday evening will be spent checking in at Hotel Los Olivos, organizing medicines, and having a brief orientation for the week.

Los Olivos provides hot showers, clean drinking water, breakfasts, and dinners.

Monday – Friday

Weekly summary: clinic Work in Guatemala, organized by Timmy’s international partner, Pop-Wuj.

Breakfast will be served at 7:00 am every morning. Following breakfast we will travel together to our clinic sites—between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours from our hotel. During the brigade we will be working in Timmy’s three established, adopted communities—Xeabaj, Pujijil, and Buena Vista.

Lunches will be served a la brown bag (PB&J, chips, fruit, cookies, etc) at each clinic site during the day. Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotel. Alternatives will be provided for those with specific dietary restrictions (peanut allergies, vegetarian, etc). Please be sure to indicate any dietary needs or allergies on your volunteer application.

Volunteers will be working in a variety of areas (triage, physician shadow, pharmacy, fluoride, health education, etc.).

The work day will end based upon the number of patients seen and how the trip leaders, Pop-Wuj staff, and the local community leaders feel the brigade is operating. We always aim to see ALL patients that come to our brigade clinics. We will strive to offer several free hours each evening for resting and any cultural activities.

During your week in Quetzaltenango, we will have afternoon/evening activities prepared by Pop-Wuj. Past activities have included:salsa dancing, a lecture on behalf of Pop-Wuj about health and cultural competence in Guatemala, Q&A sessions with Pop-Wuj staff, and community discussions.

Friday

Friday morning will be spent performing a half-day clinic at Pop Wuj in Quetzaltenango. Shortly after lunch, we will depart for Antigua, Guatemala where we will be staying Friday night.We ask that all trip participants be packed on Thursday night so that the group can depart from Quetzaltenangoquickly on Friday afternoon.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

The group will depart from Antigua, Guatemala to the airport in Guatemala City no later than 6:30am in order to arrive at the airport by 7:30am

Saturday, January 12, 2013 8:10pm team returns to Boston Logan International Airport
Group ARRIVAL
Airline Carrier: / American Airlines / 2162 GUA MIA 9:30A 1:00P
560 MIA BOS 3:45P 8:10P

Those booking their own flights should book a flight that departs from Guatemala no earlier than the group flight.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The first requirements for any volunteer experience are a positive and flexible attitude, a sense of adventure, and a sense of humor. If you are on your first trip to a developing nation you must keep in mind that things do not always work as we are accustomed to, nor as we expect them to.

LUGGAGE

Please check with your airline to confirm baggage allowance. Timmy may ask participants to carry a medical supply bag. Especially if you are flying from Indianapolis, please email Kathy Morris, our Programs Coordinator, if you would be willing to check a supply bag for the team.

DONATIONS

Timmy Global Health believes in responsible gift giving. Please only distribute medicine and hygiene supplies via the pharmacy while on the brigade. Please notify Timmy staff if you are able to collect any supply donations and we will be sure to process paperwork for their safe transport to the country of service.

STAYING HEALTHY

No vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis are currently required for entry to Guatemala. However,travelers are strongly recommended to have up-to-date Hepatitis A, B, Tetanus, and Typhoid vaccinations. We suggest that you consult your physician for advice on any recommended vaccines or special precautions whenever traveling outside the United States. To have the most benefit, visit a health care provider 4-6 weeks prior to your trip so the vaccines will have time to take effect. Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You may also contact Dr. Jeffrey G. Jones, a travel medicine specialist in Indianapolis:

Jeffrey G. Jones, MD, MPH

St. Francis Occupational Health Center,

4770 S. Emerson, Suite A

Indianapolis, IN 46203.

Phone : 317-788-9887. Fax : 317-783-8012.

E-mail : .

On many Timmy trips to Guatemala, some of trip participants come down with light traveler’s sickness, including nausea, diarrhea, some fever, and lethargy. Though serious symptoms are rare, Timmy Global Health takes every precaution to ensure that volunteers have safe meals and drinking water during the week. Nevertheless, it is recommended that trip participants practice the best personal hygiene possible during the week, taking every opportunity possible to wash hands, avoid hand-to-face contact, and removing oneself should symptoms arise. Participants are also recommended to bring Peptol Bismol and Ciprofloxacin with them in case digestive issues arise. Timmy does not recommend prophylactic use of these medicines.

ADJUSTING TO THE ALTITUDE

Some people will find that they need 2-3 days toadjust to the higher elevationin Quetzaltenango, which sits at about 7,500 ft.

  • Take it easy for the first few days. Walk slowly and use your free time to relax. Take a nap after clinic (it is normal to feel sleepy or tired at this elevation).
  • Drink as much water as possible.
  • Eat lightly. Higher altitudes slow down your digestion. Easily digested foods such as soups, rice and similar items are recommended.
  • Common symptoms indicating mild altitude illness include: headaches, dizziness, lack of appetite, general malaise and shortness of breath. In and of themselves, these signs are not cause for concern, but they should be noted.

ACCOMMODATIONS

While in Guatemala, we will be staying at two hotels: Hotel Los Olivos and Santa Lucia III. Contact information for each is located on the first page of the Trip Booklet.

Our principal hotel for the week will be Hotel Los Olivos in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The facility is located in a safe area of Quetzaltenango, though proper caution should always be taken. Each bedroom will be occupied by two people, each with individual beds. Each room has a private bathroom with a hot-water shower.

Breakfasts and dinners are provided at the hotel.We can accommodate most dietary restrictions if we are notified in advance. Please let your trip leaders know via the volunteer application if you have any food allergies or dietary needs.

The hotel provides all necessary bedding, pillows, and clean towels. Fresh soaps and shampoos are provided to each room on a daily basis.

PHONING HOME

During the week, volunteers are encouraged to travel in a group and with a chaperone to a local internet and phone café to call/email home. Wireless internet is available at Hotel Los Olivos, so trip participants who wish to access email or Skype should have access throughout the week. Please expect that the internet may be slow and/or unavailable on certain days.

WATER

Tap water is not safe to drink in Guatemala. Bottled water is readily available and provided for all trip participants. Avoid ice in all of your drinks (unless in a nicer restaurant)and usebottled water for brushing your teeth. Eat only well-cooked foods that are served hot to the touch and vegetables or fruits that have been pre-cooked or that you can peel yourself. Make certain that your fruit juices are made with boiled or bottled water or that no water is added.

Hotel Los Olivos provides bottled water. Please bring at least one refillable water bottle to Guatemala!

MEALS

All square meals are included in the trip price.Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the hotel and/or in local restaurants. Lunches will be eaten at the work sites. We suggest that volunteers bring snacks with them—Clif bars, granola bars, trail mix, etc—to avoid hunger throughout the day. If you have any dietary restrictions, please disclose them to your trip leader via the Volunteer Application online. Be as specific as possible.

CLOTHING

The Guatemalan weather is rather unpredictable. Be prepared for cold mornings, warm afternoons and cold evenings. Please anticipate some wet weather by bringing a poncho, umbrella, or other rain jacket/gear.

Afternoons can be interrupted by periods of rain, so please dress in layers. It is recommended that you bring a heavy sweater or medium weight jacket for cool evenings. Pants are fine for service work.Due to the nature of the work, close-toed shoes are required. Bring/wear as little jewelry as possible. At the end of the week, you maydonateyour clothes and/or shoes to Pop-Wuj, which will wash and distribute them to those in need.

SOME RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO PACK:

  • Copy of your passport
  • Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen
  • Camera, extra batteries
  • Comfortable CLOSE-TOED shoes
  • Plenty of t-shirts—to work in and then change into after a work day
  • Jacket, sweater, and/or sweatshirt for cool early mornings and nights
  • Warm pajamas for cold evenings
  • Traveler’s pouch to carry cash and passport
  • Waist pack and/or backpack to carry personal items to work sites
  • Durable water bottle ('Nalgene') to refill each morning (it is nice to have 2bottles)
  • Travel alarm clock and journal
  • Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc
  • Snacks (granola bars, chocolate, etc.)
  • Please be sure to pack snacks in Tupperware or Ziploc bags to keep the ants out
  • Rain poncho and/or small travel umbrella
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Spending money for souvenirs, drinks and snacks, a few meals on weekends (in the airports)

ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME:

  • Cell phones—they won’t work!
  • Electronics – they always get lost!
  • Jewelry
  • Fancy clothing or shoes

ELECTRICITY

110V, 60Hz (same as USA)

MONEY & TIPPING

Currency: Quetzal

Costs in Guatemala are fairly low.The current conversion rate is roughly 7.7 Quetzales for every dollar. We do not recommend bringing traveler's checks; bring cash instead. U.S. dollars are accepted in tourist hot spots, though not in all areas of Guatemala. Major credit cards are accepted at stores in tourist areas andlarge hotels, though merchants may add a surcharge of 6% to 8% to cover the transaction fee. ATMs are a convenient way to exchange money, but be sure to notify your credit card company before you travel (and be sure to ask about international rates for ATM use abroad!). If you plan to exchange cash, it is best to bring cash in “clean” bills – meaning new bills without any tears, marks, or ink smudges. (Guatemalan banks are picky!)

Local tour guides, porters and other tourist industry workers may expect tips, though taxi drivers generally will not. If you want to tip your server, give the money to them directly – do not just leave it on the table. Bargaining is accepted and expected at craft markets. Elsewhere, if you are not sure, try asking for a descuento (discount) - these are often available in tourist places.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Registration with the Department of State

Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in a foreign country. Timmy Global Health registers each participant for our international medical brigades.

Reservations and Cancellations

If for some reason you are unable to attend the service trip, please call the Timmy office immediately! Depending on the timeframe, a refund may be available. It is also sometimes possible to find a replacement volunteer. Please notify the Timmy Global Health office if you encounter a family emergency or other reason which may prevent your presence on the service brigade.If you have purchased your own flight, it will be up to you individually to arrange any refunds or flight transfers with the airline directly.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required to pass through immigration in Guatemala. To leave the US, your passport must not have an expiration date within 90 days of departure. If your passport is due to expire, you must obtain a replacement. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please be sure that your visa documents are in order, if necessary. If you have questions, please contact the Timmy Global Health office.

Medications

Personal prescription medication should be carried in your purse or carry-on luggage. Never pack it in luggage that is to be checked through to your destination.

Included in the Trip Price:

  • Accommodations
  • Meals
  • Local group transportation
  • Cultural activities
  • Short-term health and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Roundtrip airfare

Items Not Included in Trip Price:

  • Passport fees
  • Personal items/souvenirs
  • Vaccines

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