PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT GENERAL STATEMENT OF HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS

While volunteerism is the very lifeblood of P.I.D. and it’s remarkable volunteers are it’s greatest asset, there are practical considerations which must be kept in mind by potential international participants. The general principal is that life in the P.I.D. facilities in Guatemala and particularly post earthquake Haiti is rigorous and lacks many of the amenities taken for granted in the United States. The potential volunteer must realistically evaluate his/her health situation before deciding to take part. The worst case scenario is for a volunteer to become a patient adding to the burden of other workers in the field.

GENERAL PRINCIPALS

• MOBILITY: there is no policy of handicap access at these sites. Volunteers must be able, for example, to climb in and out of trucks and withstand jarring rides over rough roads.
• STABILITY:  no one should consider going with unstable conditions such as poorly controlled angina, hypertension, congestive heat failure, diabetes.
• MEDICATIONS: must be provided by the participants for preexisting conditions. No one requiring medications producing drowsiness or impaired coordination such as narcotic pain relief patches should participate. Bear in mind that refrigeration and sanitary conditions are not guaranteed.
• DIETARY: it cannot be certain that specialized dietary requirements can be met.
• STAMINA/STRENGTH: workdays are frequently long, some of the activities, especially construction jobs, require real muscle power and cardiovascular fitness.
• HYGIENE: may be less than optimal. Perhaps this would be a consideration for persons having certain dermatologic conditions, recent surgical procedures, etc.
• PSYCHOLOGICAL: inherently, there is emotional stress involved in immersion in some of the situations encountered in these settings. While having the ability to empathize is to be desired, indeed is necessary, a certain amount of psychological toughness is needed as well.

If in doubt about any of these issues, obtaining a medical examination and physician’s approval would be prudent. Bear in mind that there are many important ways to provide valuable service as a volunteer for Partners in Development “stateside”.