|
Volunteer for Grounds for Health!
Thank you for your interest in Grounds for Health. Volunteers in our screening campaigns are critical to our success. This section of our website answers many frequently asked questions, and should give you a good idea of the requirements for working with our organization. If you meet these requirements and would like to volunteer with GFH, please fill out the application at the end of this section and send it to us along with all necessary supporting documents.
What does Grounds for Health do?
Grounds for Health works with communities to organize week-long cervical cancer screening campaigns. During each visit we also provide breast exams and address any pressing health concerns that the patient might have. Pap smears are reviewed by our volunteer cytologists and, when possible, colposcopy and treatment are offered immediately when needed. Aside from our in-country collaborators, our campaigns depend almost entirely on volunteers.
Who are the volunteers?
Our campaigns invite both medical and non-medical volunteers. Nurses, physician assistants and doctors take samples, see patients for their health care needs and provide on-site training to our in-country colleagues. Pathologists and cytologists process the samples and make the diagnosis. Community educators work with local health educators to provide information and outreach in the communities we are serving. We also invite a few enthusiastic supporters without medical or technical skills willing to work long hours doing whatever support tasks need doing. Teamwork is the key, and everyone pitches in to help wherever they are needed.
Who should apply?
We welcome your application if you feel that your skills might complement our work. Spanish language ability is a requirement for medical providers and educators, as the work involves interactions with patients and in-country staff. Spanish language ability is a plus but not a requirement for cytotechnologists.
In addition to possessing the medical and technical skills our program requires, volunteers need to be tolerant, flexible and possess solid interpersonal skills. An ability and willingness to interact with people of different cultures is essential. The hours are long and the living conditions are simple, but our volunteers consistently report deep satisfaction with their experience.
Where do we work?
Currently, GFH is working in three sites in Mexico -- in the states of Veracruz, and Chiapas -- and in two sites in Nicaragua.
Who is responsible for transportation, lodging and meals?
Volunteers are expected to pay for their airfare and lodging, or to have these costs covered by their institution. GFH can help coordinate air travel and can help arrange for lodging for all volunteers in small, clean, modest hotels. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Volunteers are responsible for their own dinners. Many volunteers choose to combine their trip with some personal time and arrange their flights to allow for time to explore or to travel.
Ready to apply? Please return
your volunteer
application to us along with
the following documents:
- Resume
- Medical license
- Copy of the photo page of your passport
- Signed waiver found at the end of the application
Mail to: Grounds for Health, 92 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676
We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
|
