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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • How can I stay updated on HHPF’s work and progress?
    You can subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or check our website regularly for updates, success stories, and reports on the impact of our work.
  • How do you measure the impact of your work?
    We track key outcomes such as the number of patients treated, the success rates of surgeries and treatments, the number of healthcare providers trained, and the long-term benefits to the communities we serve. We also gather feedback from patients and local healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of our programs.
  • Do I need to be fluent in English to volunteer?
    While English is the primary language for training, we have bilingual instructors and local translators to ensure effective communication for non-English speakers.
  • How does HHPF train healthcare providers?
    We offer hands-on training during medical missions, as well as workshops, demonstrations, and educational materials. Our instructors teach techniques like vein sclerosing, prolotherapy, and other procedures to international and local healthcare professionals in the regions where we operate.
  • What does the Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation do?
    We currently offer 3 diverse programs that enhance healthcare access, educate healthcare providers, and deliver medical services to underserved communities, improving long-term health outcomes. Prolotherapy and Regenerative Medicine; Veins Insufficiency Treatment and Wound Care; Ear Nose and Throat surgery and Hearing evaluations. Each of the programs offers the opportunity for hands-on experience during our annual service-learning trips in Mexico and Honduras. These trips are open to healthcare professionals and non-medical volunteers.
  • How can I get involved with HHPF if I am not a healthcare professional?
    If you are not a healthcare professional but still want to support HHPF, you can volunteer for non-medical roles, help with fundraising, assist in administrative tasks, or contribute financially through donations
  • What are the requirements to volunteer on a medical mission?
    Volunteers must be 18 years old to travel alone, or 14 years old if accompanying an adult. You may be a healthcare professional with experience in your field (doctor, nurse, medical student, etc.), or you may be a non-medical volunteer who wants to experience an exceptional service-learning trip experience. Each applicant must submit an application, current passport information, medical documentation and licensure if it applies to you. We review EACH application to determine if there is a need and space for your services on a mission. If you are participating as a student learner, there are learning prerequisites to attend
  • What/Who is the Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation (HHPF)?
    The Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on providing high-quality medical care to underserved populations globally, through medical missions, educational programs, and the development of healthcare infrastructure Wehave been sponsoring annual service trips since 1969. We offer trips for chronic venous disease care, prolotherapy instruction and Ear Nose and Throat surgeries. Physicians and volunteers from all over the globe collaborate to treat more than 2500 patients each year during these missions.
  • How can I become a volunteer with HHPF?
    We welcome volunteers with a variety of skill sets. To apply, please visit the "Volunteer" section on our website, where you can find information on upcoming opportunities and application forms.
  • How will my donation be used?
    Your donation will go directly toward funding medical missions, training local healthcare providers, providing medical supplies and equipment, and supporting ongoing healthcare initiatives in the communities we serve.
  • Is my donation tax-deductible?
    Yes! HHPF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
  • Can I donate supplies instead of money?
    Yes, we accept in-kind donations of medical supplies, equipment, and other goods. There are opportunities to donate supplies, but we would need you to contact us to discuss this. There are very important specifications that each item must meet in order to be shipped into another country. If you would like to donate something besides money, please send an email to info@hhpfoundation.org.
  • How can I donate to HHPF?
    Donations can be made directly through our website via credit card or PayPal. We also accept checks, or in-kind donations. All donations go toward funding medical missions, education, and healthcare initiatives.
  • How can I get involved with HHPF if I am not a healthcare professional?
    If you are not a healthcare professional but still want to support HHPF, you can volunteer for non-medical roles, help with fundraising, assist in administrative tasks, or contribute financially through donations
  • What is the typical cost to participate?
    What is the typical cost to participate? Please see our price page here: https://www.hhpfoundation.org/servicelearningtrips
  • Are there any costs to participate in a medical mission?
    Yes. Each volunteer pays for their own travel to Honduras or Mexico. Each volunteer also pays a designated participation fee. This fee covers your in-county travel, accommodations, and meals, and the remaining portion helps to fund our instructors, the purchase and transportation of the medical supplies we use for the mission. HHPF works hard to keep these expenses low, and we offer support for fundraising and scholarships for volunteers who may need assistance.
  • Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in a mission?
    No! It’s wonderful if you do speak Spanish, (and a great place to practice it) but our missions are supported by local translators. We also have Spanish-speaking instructors and staff who assist in communication.
  • How can I participate in a medical mission with HHPF?
    If you are a healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, medical student, etc.) interested in volunteering, you can learn more and apply through our website. We provide detailed information about upcoming missions, the application process, and the required documents.
  • How long is each medical mission?
    Each mission is 9 days: 2 are travel days, into the country and out again. There are 7 full days during which participants receive instruction, set up clinics, meet patients, organize supplies, and ultimately participate in the 5-day clinic for each group at each site..
  • Do I need vaccinations to go to Honduras or Mexico?
    There are no requirements for vaccinations to enter Honduras or Mexico, but we recommend that you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before you travel. We also recommend visiting the CDC and reviewing their recommendations, and then the decision to take malaria preventative medicine or other preventatives is yours: Please note that if you are going to take Chloroquine as a malaria prophylaxis, you need to start taking it 2 weeks before being in an area that has malaria. Our clinics are in cities (La Ceiba, Tela and Olanchito, Guadalajara –not rural areas), which may affect your decision.
  • Should I get travel protection and medical insurance?
    This is STRONGLY recommended! Unfortunately there are often delays due to weather, and this may cause you to have an extra night’s hotel stay or travel cost once arriving in Mexico or Honduras.Local weather can change travel plans also. Medical Evacuation Insurance - Recommended minimum is at least $1,000,000. A medical emergency (illness, accident, injury) may require in-country care AND a need to get back to the US (or other home country). There are many companies offering evacuation insurance including RoamRight and TravelGuard, as well as many others.
  • Is it dangerous to visit these countries?
    Volunteering in any international setting, including Honduras and Mexico, comes with some level of risk, just like volunteering in other parts of the world. However, it is important to note that the Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation (HHPF) takes safety very seriously and works closely with local authorities and healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of all our volunteers. Additionally, we ensure that our volunteers have access to reliable transportation, secure accommodations, and emergency services if necessary. We encourage all volunteers to visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date travel and situational information. Ultimately, each participant will make this decision for themselves.
  • Where does HHPF operate?
    HHPF offers service-learning trips in Honduras and Mexico. In Honduras our clinics are in La Ceiba, Tela, and Olanchito. In Mexico our site is in Guadalajara. Our Prolotherapy and Regenerative Medicine division also offers an annual fall training conference in the US.
  • What is the foundation's mission?
    Improving Health, Transforming Lives: The HHP Foundation provides compassionate healthcare to global communities through service, education, and training. We achieve this mission by: ● Sponsoring international medical trips that integrate high-quality learning experiences for healthcare providers in-country and internationally with the delivery of medical care to those in need ● Establishing sustainable, meaningful relationships with the communities we serve, pursuing lasting positive change ● Upholding an unwavering commitment to innovation, inspiration, and elevating the impact we have on the world ● Fostering educational growth by supporting conferences, advancing research initiatives, and promoting collaboration among colleagues.
  • ¿Qué es una sección de preguntas frecuentes?
    Se puede utilizar una sección de preguntas frecuentes para responder rápidamente preguntas comunes sobre su empresa, como "¿A dónde realizan envíos?", "¿Cuál es su horario de atención?" o "¿Cómo puedo reservar un servicio?".
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