Global Brigades is a non-profit, international organization that was founded in 2003 with a medical brigade to Honduras. The organization has an objective to aid communities in reaching health and economic goals, particularly in countries abroad. For that reason, Global Brigades has several different chapters that specialize in these practices.

At DU, there are chapters/brigades for public health, water, micro-finance, medical and human rights. Students meet throughout the school year to learn about the mission of the club and to prepare for their respective brigades, which include practicing what they will be doing once they reach the host country. This year, only one chapter will be embarking on a brigade: the medical chapter. During spring break, the club will be traveling to Nicaragua.

“It is such a tangible thing to work for all year,” said Kylie Van Hoesen, one of the senior co-presidents of the DU medical chapter, who is majoring in biology. “When you get there, you are so glad you put in so many hours.”

The medical brigade will be bringing several local doctors to Nicaragua to set up a medical clinic that the students will be assisting with. The goal is to bring basic medical care to communities that do not have access to it, but the greater objective is to teach the local people about methods of hygiene that they can then carry on once the brigade leaves. In order to do this, the club fundraises for a variety of toiletries so they can pack hygiene kits to hand out at the clinic.

“The benefit of it [the brigade to Nicaragua] is giving so much to communities who are so grateful,” said club chairperson and senior biology major Taylor Davis, who has been on several brigades with DU. “It truly does inspire you to be a physician for the right reasons.”

The brigade is typically a hit within the community. Last year, the clinic saw over 1,000 patients in just three days. Additionally, the hygiene kits, which usually contain soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and other necessities, ran out before the first day was over.

To raise more funds for hygiene kits, the club is hosting a gala event in which they will raffle off coffee beans from Nicaragua, gift cards and other prizes. The event is being held on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. in Craig Community Hall. Students, faculty and community members are all encouraged to attend.

For more information about joining the club or attending a meeting, please email dumedbrigades@gmail.com.