Opportunity provided by
Shoulder-to-shoulder brigades are vital to our history and our future. More than thirty years ago, in 1990, a small group of Cincinnati physicians traveled to remote Honduras to provide medical care to a region that lacked access to even the most basic care. Although our health efforts have grown into a much more comprehensive and government-funded health system, visiting brigades continue to provide huge value to the organization and the communities we serve by supplementing and enhancing the restricted services the government mandates we provide.
In 2008, Hombro a Hombro (HaH) signed a 'convenio,' or contract, with the Honduras Ministry of Health to provide basic health services to 36,000 people in Intibucá. In April of 2015, the 'convenio' was extended to cover 2 additional municipalities (7 in total), a total coverage area of over 69,000 people.
With a greater responsibility to the community, the organization made the decision in 2015 to divide its services between two legal non-profits: Hombro a Hombro (HaH) and Shoulder to Shoulder (StS). HaH would focus on being the sole third-party servicer of government clinics and healthcare for the large 'Frontera' territory. StS would focus on Education, Community Development, Nutrition, and Medical Brigades.
Currently, Hombro a Hombro operates 3 types of clinics. Primary health centers staffed by a physician (CESAMOs), clinics staffed by a nurse (CESARs), and Child and Maternal Health Clinics (CMIs). These clinics serve the Frontera Region covering the seven municipalities of Camasca, Colomoncagua, Concepción, Magdalena, San Antonio, San Marcos de la Sierra, and Santa Lucia.
Shoulder to Shoulder boasts 30+ years of service in Honduras, has established clinics in rural areas, and a flawless safety record. We currently partner with the following groups and institutions to offer service trips:
Brown University - Wingate School of Pharmacy - University of North Carolina - Mountain Area Health Education Center - Ohio State University - Universidad Nacional Autónomo del Honduras - Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency - Virginia Commonwealth University and Fairfax Family Practice Center.
Check Out our Brigade Calendar
Add your group to this growing list of top Universities! We tailor each brigade to the skills of its members and the needs of the communities. Brigades range in size from 10 to 35, and generally stay between one and two weeks. We welcome brigades in many areas including:
Shoulder to Shoulder can offer your group an economical, unique, service and learning opportunity in Honduras. Your participants will have the opportunity to change the lives of many Hondurans and simultaneously experience enriching hands-on international practice.
If you have any questions or ideas you are also welcome to contact Laura Manship ([email protected]).
Please note that we are located in remote areas with limited infrastructure. Sleeping is often in bunks, sometimes on the floor. Food is sufficient. Water is safe. Expect a travel experience with Shoulder to Shoulder to be a working trip, not a vacation to a big city.
To preview how exciting and rewarding a brigade experience can be, please take a moment and review the video link of a brigade to the right.
This opportunity is located in Intibuca Department, Honduras.