Jeff Vaughn staffs triage in Las Dificultades, Honduras

     Peacework Medical Projects is a small, grassroots non profit organization based in Phoenix, AZ. It is a part of Peacework International in Blacksburg, VA. Since 1989 Peacework International has placed volunteer work groups all over the planet with an emphasis on educational and construction projects, and since 2001, Peacework Medical Projects has produced annual two week long primary care clinics in Central America.  There is one clinic in the northern part of the country, and one in the south. 

Peacework is a secular organization, and bears no political agenda, rather simply existing to bring help and hope to those in need.  

In 2007 and 2008,  primary care clinics were produced in Ghana, W. Africa, and as always,  Honduras. Nearly 5,000 patients were seen and treated in the three clinics altogether. Our strength is in our consistency and commitment to the places we serve. 

In 2009, we will have a project in southern Cambodia for the first time. 

Our commitment to Honduras includes a remodelling of our southern project. In the north, Santa Lucia, we have completed our work! With happiness and a little sadness, this region of 13 villages now has a visiting Honduran physician and nurse. The people we have worked alongside since shortly after Hurricane Mitch are no longer the most needy. Success is measured by many different markers!

Our history.....

     In January 2001 a group of nine Phoenix based medical professionals established the inaugural two week primary care clinic in the mountains of Honduras and treated 1200 patients, many who would have never received medical attention otherwise.  On the second day, a healthy baby girl was delivered, and Peacework Medical has been growing and committed ever since!

This clinic is held each January. A typical US team of 12 persons consists of MDs, PAs, RNs, paramedics, and Spanish interpreters. Our Honduran counterparts include dentists, optometrists, logistics coordinators, cooks, drivers, and interpreters. US medical and PA students whose school has an affiliation with Peacework Medical are carefully selected to join us for clinical rotation credit. Unfortunately, without this affiliation, other students may not volunteer for a medical team.

 Dental and eye care have been added since 2001.  Typical medical care  encompasses a medical screening exam and health education for everyone, instructed by a local community leader.  For others, there is treatment for internal parasites, blood sugar and blood pressure screening, and Pap smears and pelvic exams for women. Cervical cancer morbidity and mortality has been positively influenced by the introduction of Pap smears in a part of the country where there had previously been none.

In 2005 two veterinarians accompanied the team to provide vaccinations, spay and neutering, and teach animal husbandry.  They  returned in 2006, and plans are to incorporate this important service into the ongoing Peacework plans. A team of five veterinarians will come and treat the livestock in 2007.

 The cost of the clinic and all personal and travel costs are borne by the volunteer team.  Individuals raise their own funds- approximately $1500.00 per person including airfare, all in country costs, credentialing, and insurance for the Honduras projects, and $2500.00 for the Ghana project. These fees are eligible for tax deduction.

Peacework is able to treat each patient for only 2-3 US dollars -- a value that is kept low by accepting donations of medicine and materials in the US, and by buying medicine in the host country. Collecting clean unused materials and disposable recyclables from area hospitals helps our goals as well.  The volunteers are tremendously resourceful: every year, they do a lot with a little!

Your support is welcome and needed: volunteer in Phoenix at our packing event, or come to the November fundraiser. Or, simply send a check to "Peacework" and we will stretch your dollars to meet the needs of as many patients as possible. 

Our address:

Peacework Medical Projects
c/o Pam Burwell
1046 E. Clarendon Av
Phoenix, AZ  85014

Peacework Medical and our friends and patients in Honduras sincerely thank you. Your cancelled check is your receipt for tax purposes.

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In 2006 and 2007 Peacework Medical received generous corporate grants from
Yakety Yak Play N Trade.
In 2006 and 2007 Peacework Medical received generous grants from the American Association of Physician Assistant Foundation. 
Advantage Urgent Care in Glendale and Surprise, AZ is a regular contributor to our construction fund.
...and many many individuals.
Muchas gracias! 


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