Global Response Management

Global Response Management’s Mission Statement 

www.global-response.org

Global Response Management (GRM) is a veteran-led international medical NGO registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3) organization. We exist to bring emergency humanitarian medicine to vulnerable populations displaced by conflict, war, or disaster.

We believe that everyone has the right to the best possible care on the worst day of their lives. By combining principles from military, academic, and civilian spheres, we define evidence-based response for high-risk, low-resource environments with an emphasis on direct patient care, capacity-building, and innovative partnerships.

We have two volunteer opportunities in Mexico: at the border, in Reynosa, and in Tapachula, on the Mexican side of the border with Guatemala

Volunteering in Reynosa

Right across the border from McAllen, Texas, is Reynosa, Tamaulipas, an unofficial locale for deportations by both the Mexican government and the U.S. government. The city is controlled by organized crime and thousands of migrants are living outdoors in Plaza de la República, informally called “the Plaza,” and in several shelters. In May, GRM opened medical operations in Reynosa five days per week, operating at both an  informal settlement next to the port of entry, and at the Senda de Vida shelter, a stationary concrete building.

At the beginning of the project there were approximately 800 migrants and asylum seekers in the city under our care. Now we estimate that number to be approximately 10,000.

Our local team consists of four local doctors, one psychologist, one clinic assistant, and a referral program manager. We see about 68 patients a day, offering primary and urgent care, women’s health, OB care, COVID testing and care, medication distribution, both telehealth and local specialty referral pathways, and health consultations pertinent to legal cases.

Volunteering in Tapachula

Located on the Mexican side of the border with Guatemala, Tapachula is home to tens of thousands of asylum seekers and internally displaced Mexicans who have not moved north.

GRM operates a medical clinic in Tapachula three days per week and a mobile clinic two additional days for plantation workers and sex workers. 

GRM’s capabilities include primary and urgent care, women’s health, COVID testing and care, medication distribution, both telehealth and local specialty referral pathways, and health consultations pertinent to legal cases.

Requirements to Volunteer

LICENSURE AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

• You must be a U.S. citizen

• In-person as well as remote volunteers are required to have valid U.S. state licenses.

• Malpractice insurance is provided by GRM

SAFETY AND SECURITY CONCERNS

• GRM has extensive experience sending volunteers into similar environments and will provide extensive training and orientation to all volunteers. That training includes online training modules prior to your arrival and, then, onsite training. Volunteers only work during daylight hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience do I need? There is a great need for MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, RNs and first responders with EMT certification or higher. Providers with ER, internal medicine experience, and OB/GYNs are especially welcome.

What’s the time commitment? In Reynosa, a one-week minimum commitment is required. Two is even better. In Tapachula, a two-week minimum commitment is required.

Do I need to speak Spanish? At the border, Spanish is not required; translators are available.

Volunteers in Tapachula must speak at least conversational Spanish.

How will I get there? GRM partners with Airlink to offer free airfare for volunteers who must fly to the site. GRM encourages volunteers to purchase travel insurance.

Where will I stay? At the border, housing is provided in McAllen, Texas, to volunteers. In Tapachula, housing is provided near the clinic.

Is PPE provided? Yes. All precautions are taken and PPE is readily available.

Will I be working with critical patients? Things can change daily, but currently work is in the daily clinic that functions similar to an urgent care/emergency room and not extended critical care. 

How to Volunteer

The application process is simple. You can contact Doctors Respond at kathleen@granniesrespond.org to indicate your interest, and we will introduce you via email to GRM’s coordinator of volunteers, with whom we work closely. She will answer questions, guide you through the steps to volunteer, and get you on the schedule. Or you can fill out a volunteer application at https://form.jotform.com/220666192628158, and someone from GRM’s staff will contact you directly.

If you are interested in volunteering with Global Respose Management, please contact us here.