Activities

Our primary activity will be providing medical and community health services to the residents of Chacraseca through the clinic that JustHope sponsors in the community. We will partner with Nicaraguan doctors and nurses to provide access to this underserved population, while also learning about a different culture and health care system! Chacraseca is an extremely impoverished area of Nicaragua with 2 physicians and 1 dentist for 8000 people. Our team will consist of doctors, nurses, community health providers, and medical students. There will also be roles for participants from other fields–this trip is not limited to medical personnel.

During the daily clinics, there will be intensive training of students in the art of medicine - without the use of lab, x-rays, and other technology. Students will be encouraged to use their mind and hands to evaluate and treat patients. In addition, there will be opportunities to learn about a different cultural and global issues.

Participants should be in good health, able to walk at least ¼ mile, and must be pre-approved by the group leader. All participants will be required to show proof of international health and evacuation insurance.

This trip is being organized by Power of a Nickel, partnering with JustHope as the global development organization that coordinates all the in-country arrangements and sponsors the host clinic.

Accommodations

We will stay in León, the second largest city in Nicaragua, at the Hotel San Juan de León, a moderate hotel with private bathrooms. This is about 30 minutes from Chacraseca, the community in which we will be working.

Because luggage frequently is delayed, it is suggested that you place your personal clothing and items in a carryon bag and a backpack. Checked luggage will be reserved for material supplies gathered by the group to donate to the community. If you have access to a wheelchair or walker – they are always needed.

What Will It Cost?

The trip fee will be $300 per person plus airfare. This covers in-country transportation, translator expenses, and trip coordination. It does NOT cover any meals or lodging. Group size is limited; if the team is full at the time of your deposit, you may choose to be put on the waitlist.

Other personal costs will be meals en route to and from Nicaragua; souvenirs; visa ($10); and any unscheduled activities the team decides to add. This brief trip will not include time for sightseeing.

Travel Arrangements

Participants make their own flight arrangements. You must arrive in Managua by the first day of the trip at 3pm. Flights may cost significantly less arriving the day before. If you arrive early, we suggest that you stay at the Best Western Las Mercedes directly across the street from the airport (cost not included and you make your own reservations).

Deadlines

January 14 - Must be registered first with Power of a Nickel then also here with JustHope.
February 10 - Attending physicians must mail to JustHope properly notarized copies of their medical diploma, specialty certification, current license, and one-page professional summary. More information. Without this documentation returned to us in a timely fashion, physicians will not be able to practice in Nicaragua.
February 10 - Full trip fee due; paperwork, passport copy, evacuation insurance confirmation, and airline itinerary due. See here for more information.

Contacts

Power of a Nickel: Barbara Grogg, barbara@powerofanickel.org
JustHope: Phil Morice Brubaker, phil@JustHope.org