Community Service Brigades (CSB) - Medical/Dental Volunteer Program

Community Service Brigades (CSB)

Short-term, high-impact medical and dental volunteer trips providing outpatient medical, dental, and educational support to impoverished families and communities outside the United States. Teams include doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, teachers, and non-medical support volunteers.

Program Details

Duration: 4-5 days

• Arrival: Thursday before 5 PM
• Departure: Sunday evening or Monday

Focus Areas:

• Medical/dental evaluation and treatment
• Education and children's programs (crafts, music, sports)
• Pharmacy support
• Patient care and community service

Eligibility and Requirements

Who Can Apply:

• Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, teachers)
• Non-medical support volunteers with compassionate heart
• Bilingual individuals encouraged
• Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Required Documents:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months until expiration
• Signature on HOPE worldwide Liability Waiver & Release
• Parental Consent & Release for all minors
• Statement of Risk acknowledgment

Volunteer Roles

• Medical/dental evaluation and treatment
• Teaching or assisting in children's programs
• Spanish/English translating
• Fitting patients for reading glasses
• Filling prescriptions in pharmacy
• Fluoride treatments

Costs and What's Included

HOPE worldwide Covers:

• Hotel room accommodations
• Airport pickup and drop-off
• Breakfast buffet at hotel (meal vouchers provided at check-in)
• Light lunch at clinic sites

Participant Responsible For:

• Air transportation
• Hotel meals beyond breakfast
• Non-provided meals
• $350 per person participation fee
• All personal expenses

What to Bring

• Valid passport (original and 2 copies)
• Lightweight shirts/scrubs
• Long pants (no shorts), khaki trousers, jeans, capris, or athletic shorts
• Closed-toed sneakers/shoes for clinic work
• Sandals for evening wear
• Small backpack or money belt (no purse)
• Non-perishable snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars, nuts)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Toiletries, hand sanitizer
• Camera
• Outer layer/sweatshirt
• Comfortable clothing for hotel
• Any required vitamins or medications

Health and Safety

Important Water Safety:

• Do NOT drink tap water (only bottled water)
• No ice
• No raw produce or salads
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks acceptable without ice

Health Considerations:

• Intense heat; pace yourself and stay hydrated
• Take breaks as needed
• Consult with credit card companies, banks, phone company before travel
• Call ahead regarding calling plan coverage

Heightened Security Risk Statement Available due to instability and high crime in brigade countries - required reading for all volunteers.

Geographic Scope

• International locations outside United States
• Specific countries not listed but noted as areas with high crime and instability

Contact Information

• Address: HOPE worldwide, 290 Interstate North Circle SE Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Phone: 1-833-446-7399 (-4HOPEww)
• Email: hope.worldwide@hopeww.org
• Media inquiries: media@hopeww.org
• Organization: 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN: 04-3129839

How to Apply

Application Steps:

1. Complete Online Application
   • Fill out the online form with all current information
   • Only ONE application per family necessary
   • Apply online: https://www.signupforms.com/registrations/2725
2. Required Documents
   • Read the Statement of Risk document
   • Sign HOPE worldwide Liability Waiver & Release
   • Sign Parental Consent & Release (for all minors)
   • Valid passport with at least 6 months until expiration
3. Acceptance and Payment
   • If accepted, receive "Welcome to the Team" email
   • Receive "Volunteer Timeline with Deadlines"
   • Pay $350 CSB Participation Fee (deadline provided in timeline)
   • Payment link: https://www.hopeww.org/paycsb
4. Pre-Trip Requirements
   • Valid passport (6+ months expiration)
   • Download and review Approximate Expense Per Volunteer Budget Sheet
   • Follow timeline and deadline reminders

Application Materials:

• Online registration form
• Statement of Risk (download and review)
• Liability Waiver & Release (sign upon acceptance)
• Parental Consent & Release for minors (sign upon acceptance)
• Current passport information
• Approximate expense budget sheet (available for download)

Required Confirmations:

• All applicants chosen must read Statement of Risk
• All participants must sign liability waivers
• All minors require parental consent and release
• Valid passport verification (6+ months expiration)

Rolling Admissions:

• Applications reviewed on ongoing basis
• No specific application deadline mentioned
• Timeline provided upon acceptance