WHAT IS USD MEDICAL BRIGADES The University of San Diego (USD) Medical Brigades is a student volunteer organization that is new to the university. It is a student group that provides medical care to underserved areas in Central America. It is an affiliate of the Global Brigades, the world’s largest student-led global health organization. There are 110 chapters of the Medical Brigades at universities throughout the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Ireland. The Medical Brigades chapter at USD is a group of 27 students who are pursuing degrees in healthcare and would like to make a difference in the lives of people who desperately need medical attention.

HONDURAS•The average family income is less than $1 a day. •One-fifth of patients have never seen a doctor outside of the Global Medical Brigades. •Typical families have less than 3 gallons of water per day to use for washing, cooking, drinking… etc.•Typically no doctors live within a 20 mile radius of the communities.•Average Honduran is educated at a 3rd grade level.

OUR CHAPTER A medical brigade consists of dedicated student volunteers, doctors, pharmacists, and nurses providing health care to these communities. The group functions like a mobile medical unit, setting up small clinics to diagnose and treat patients at no cost.  From in-take to triage, medical consultations to prescription filling, the group experiences multiple facets of the medical profession under the guidance of licensed medical professionals. The group travels to different villages to set-up temporary one-day primary care clinics, caring for hundreds of people each day! Students return from the trip having not only served some of the neediest people in the world, but also having worked with world class medical professionals. This interaction with medical professionals prepares students for the medical profession.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?Global Brigades offers donors and grant makers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in some of the world’s most needy communities. All of the proceeds will go towards supporting our brigade through medication and trip costs. All donations are tax deductible.Tax ID number: 371551109

To donate: 1. Visit our website www.brigades.org/GroupHomeNavi.aspx2. Search University of San Diego GMB

Please contact us for more information:James Walston and/or Shane SmithUsdmedicalbrigades@gmail.com(612)-210-0829

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Dear _____________,

As American college students, we are very lucky. Most of us are blessed with easy access to food, water, an education, and medical care. Unfortunately, billions of people around the world have limited access to these things we sometimes take for granted. Our organization is committed to helping these people by providing them with free medical care.

Thank you for your time,

Your Name

Our Goal Next January, we will be helping a group of volunteer doctors and nurses establish clinics in remote areas of Honduras where there is limited access to healthcare. Our goal is to raise at least $24,000 by December 1, 2010. The funds will be used to purchase supplies and medication needed to treat patients in this community.