With fewer than 0.4 physicians per 1,000 people, accessing healthcare in Honduras is difficult indeed. And for those living in poverty (nearly 70% of the population), available services are impossible to afford. So the Brigade sends teams of volunteer healthcare professionals to the Comayagua region, where they deliver life-changing medical care to the poor, including surgeries, rehabilitation services, and eyecare. But immediate relief through direct treatment is only part of the plan. With a mission to to enhance the lives of the poor in Honduras by building sustainable community health solutions, the Brigade also trains workers who provide year-round healthcare to villagers living far away from the nearest hospital. Additional projects – including clean water systems, latrines, and education programs in hygiene, nutrition, and sanitation – impact thousands of lives by building local capacity to prevent disease and fight malnutrition. Join the team, and help generations of Hondurans lead healthier lives.
Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County
Where They Operate: VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; Internationally; ; Comayagua, Honduras; Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1FIlAsV_750SFm_1Upaz-eDGWYk90zj5Q&usp=sharing
Age Groups Served: All
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Immigrants/Refugees
Awards & Recognition
-2017 Welburn Award for outstanding work in the community. Awarded to Dr. Barry Byer, Founder and President, VHCMB, by the Arlington County Medical Society.
-2019 for 20 years of bringing healthcare access to Honduras. Awarded to the VHC Medical Brigade by the Honduras Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization.
Press
- Recognition Season
Sun Nov 17 2019, La Tribuna
The Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization, makes a special recognition to Mr. Barry Byer, founder of VHC Medical Brigade.
- Government Support Motivates Foreign Volunteers To Continue Working For The Honduran People
Thu Nov 7 2019, Informativo.hn
We are motivated to continue in this work, and without the support of the Government, our work would not have been possible.
- Vienna Resident Gives Gift of Sight to People in Honduras
Tue Mar 20 2018, Virginia Connection Newspapers
More than two dozen individuals, all blinded from cataracts, were able to see family members many for the first time in their lives.
Budget (FY2016)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- The current budget for The Virginia Hospital Center Medical Brigade is: Less than $500k
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