Medical Mission

LAMP’s annual medical trip to Jalapa, Guatemala takes place every February and involves a team of 75-100
volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, other medical professionals, and translators. For one week
LAMP operates out of the Nicolasa Cruz National Hospital providing free care to as many as we are capable
of treating. We also have smaller teams of doctors that travel to nearby villages (“aldeas”) to reach people
that cannot come to the hospital in town. In 2009, the team treated approximately 2,400 patients,
performed 93 surgeries, and wrote around 5,000 prescriptions.

Over the twelve years that LAMP has been going to Jalapa it has established an excellent relationship with
the town based on respect and trust. Throughout the planning and execution of the trip LAMP believes it
crucial to coordinate with local residents, physicians, and health officials. LAMP works closely with the
Director of Health of Jalapa and the Director of the Nicolasa Cruz National Hospital to ensure the most
successful trip possible. LAMP also abides by the principle that our work does not end at the conclusion of
the trip. We share our records and data with the Director of the hospital so that appropriate follow-up can
be made with patients. We also donate remaining medications, equipment, and supplies to the hospital.

Jalapa is a town, located in the department of Jalapa, with a
population of approximately 45,000. This number includes the
city of Jalapa as well as some of the surrounding villages. It is
located about 100 kilometers or 2.5 hours southeast of Guatemala
City. Agriculture is a major part of Jalapa’s economy. The
population of Jalapa is generally Ladino (a socio-ethnic category
prevalent in Central America).