Timmy Global Health conducts a number of fundraising, advocacy, and outreach events, as well as medicine and vitamin donation drives, on the IU campus and in the Bloomington community. These events are vital for the success of our partner organization Pop Wuj (located in Xela, Guatemala) and our annual medical brigade. This brigade is the culminating event of IU Timmy Global Health. Each year, dozens of students apply for one of twenty spots to participate on the brigade to Guatemala. The application process involves attending Timmy meetings and events, answering short answer and essay questions, and partaking in an interview (conducted by executive board members). All Timmy members and IU students are encouraged to apply, but should note that the process is very competitive.

During the trip, students spend five days working in rural areas of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala (commonly referred to as Xela). Brigade members travel with both American and Guatemalan medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, in order to provide basic health care and check-ups to citizens of Xela. 

The final day of the trip is spent in Antigua, Guatemala, allowing students to relax and enjoy the ancient city, located  about an hour outside of Guatemala City. Surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, the picturesque town is home to a number of markets, restaurants, cafés, and historic architecture. Purchasing famous Guatemalan coffee and chocolate to share with friends and family back home is another highlight of many students' time in Antigua.

The Timmy Global Health medical brigade is an eye opening experience that allows Timmy members to see the benefits of a year's worth of preparation. The level of disparity between the typical health care that is accessible in the United States and that of Guatemala is difficult to grasp until seen in person. The service trip is extremely rewarding in a variety of ways, including that trip-goers often make some of their closest friends during this week of service. If you are the slightest bit interested in learning more about the driving force behing Timmy's mission, or international healthcare, please consider applying for the medical brigade. If you have any questions, please contact either of the Medical Brigade Directors, Allie Nelson or Kaveet Pandya. We hope to see you in Guatemala!