For more than 20 years, Friends of Barnabas’ Mountain Medical Teams have served rural communities located south of San Pedro Sula and west of Tegucigalpa, in the surrounding areas near Lago de Yojoa. In addition, Friends of Barnabas staff have provided direct medical services, case management, and educational workshops for families with children who have extended care needs from all areas of Honduras. In many cases, Friends of Barnabas is the only source of medication or specialists for a family.

Mountain Medical Teams (MMTs) are an integral part of our work in Honduras. Remote mountain communities in the Lago de Yojoa area are chosen to participate in the Healthy Honduras Program. They each must meet criteria such as how far they are from a health care facility, lack of safe water or sanitary systems, whether they have been served by other aid organizations, and safe access. All communities must demonstrate a commitment to participating in health education and agree to a formal partnership.

Communities receive general health care from MMTs twice a year, including general checkups, vision and dental care, vitamin distribution, fluoride, anti-parasite treatments, and referrals to other FOB services.

In exchange for medical treatment received, communities participate in health-related training and educational workshops, including nutrition, reproductive health, hygiene, and malaria prevention. A health committee is established in each community to promote the program, and a health volunteer is identified, trained, and equipped to act in this role.

Who can Join a Team?

Teams are made up of between 10 and 14 medical and non-medical volunteers.
The team's composition should aim for:
- 1-2 Advanced practitioners (MD, PA or NP)
- 4-5 - Registered Nurses
- 6-7 - Non-medical volunteers*
*Must be at least 17 years old
Minimum of one Spanish speaker.

What to expect?

When you join a MMT, your Team Leader will schedule several team meetings prior to your trip where you will meet your fellow team members, receive details on your trip and training for your role on the team.

MMTs will spend 7 days in Honduras. They fly into Honduras on a Saturday and take a 1.5 hour bus ride to our facilities in Peňa Blanca. Sunday is often referred to "pill packing day" as our team works together to prepare the medications that will be dispensed during the week.

Monday through Friday are clinic days. The team will wake up early, enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our Alfredo House cooks, and set off on a 1-2 hour bus ride through the mountains to the community of the day. Once clinic is set up and an introductory talk is given, our teams will start to see patients. A lunch break will take place midday, and clinics will continue through the afternoon. On a typical day, our teams will see 150-200 patients. After packing up and a bus ride back down the mountain, the team will enjoy dinner and devotions.

The following Saturday, the team will say their "Hasta Luegos" to the Friends of Barnabas Staff and head home where the memories and experiences of their trip will remain in their hearts forever. Most team members will already start planning their next trip.

How much does it cost?

The individual fee to join a team is $2250. This fee covers:
- International Flight to Honduras
- Food and Lodging
- Transportation within Honduras
Together with your team, you will raise $11,500 to go towards the medications and supplies used during your team's clinics.

How do I join a team?

If you would like to join a MMT or have further questions, please call or email Katie at 804-744-5624 ext. 4 or katie@fobf.org

A trip is scheduled for almost every month of the year.

Health & Safety
The heath and safety of our volunteers is our top priority. The violence reported in the news is contained to certain urban areas and has not affected the areas where we work. Here are a few of our health and safety measures:
- We are in regular communication with local authorities to stay abreast of any potential security or health situations.
- Police and/or military escorts travel with the teams to/from the airport and to the communities.
- A reverse osmosis water filtration system ensures that missioners have safe drinking water.
- COVID 19 safety measures are in place.

Volunteer Testimonials