Students at Methodist College are helping to change the world with the Peoria area’s first Global Brigades chapter. Established during the Fall 2023 semester, members of the group will travel to the South American country of Panama to help underserved communities with limited access to healthcare. Methodist College is inviting students and medical professionals in the community to join the chapter’s first medical brigade in May 2024.
Brigades are acts of service and solidarity held in developing countries. Global Brigades works to create a stand-alone, sustainable healthcare system in the communities it serves. While in Panama, participants will assist local healthcare providers in running their clinics and will likely see 500 patients throughout the week.
“This is a great opportunity for people in the medical profession to give back, and for students entering nursing, medicine, physical therapy, or other areas of healthcare to gain patient hours and experience. We would love for more of our community to join us in this opportunity to experience global healthcare firsthand,” Methodist College Academic Advisor Leah Jones Schneblin said.
Before making the trip, students in the Methodist College Global Brigades chapter will conduct research on the culture and healthcare in Panama. There is a cost to join the brigade to Panama, but fundraising efforts are in place to offset this cost. This brigade is open to students entering any program of study in healthcare, faculty and staff, alumni, or medical professionals from the Greater Peoria Area healthcare community. Participants from the community will need to interview for a spot.
"The Global Brigades chapter at Methodist College is a student-led club, and we are so proud of the drive and compassion displayed by this group of future healthcare professionals,” Jones Schneblin said.
Spots for additional students or community members to join the medical brigade are still available but limited. The deadline to register for the brigade to Panama is Jan. 19. The Brigade will embark May 12 and return May 18. If you are interested in traveling with us, please join the next Global Brigades chapter meeting on Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m. in the Methodist College library. (7600 N Academic Dr, Peoria, IL 61615). For more information, please email Addyson Neil at aneal@methodistcol.edu and Leah Jones Schneblin at leah.jonesschneblin@carle.com
Those unable to join who would still like to support the medical brigade may consider donating to support the cost of the trip. Make a tax-deductible donation here.
Learn more about the Medical Brigade to Panama.