Who are the Flying Samaritans?
Flying Samaritans, commonly referred to as Flying Sams, is an international organization made up of several different chapters, all sharing the common goal of improving access to healthcare for communities in Baja California, Mexico. Students and health care professionals travel monthly to medical and physical therapy clinics throughout Baja California to provide free healthcare to people who otherwise do not have access to medical care.
The Flying Samaritans of CSUSM is a student-run organization that are comprised of Flying Samaritans International members. Flying Samaritans of CSUSM are one of eight University organizations under the Flying Samaritans Palomar Chapter.
Despite the name, our organization does not fly into Mexico. Instead, many of the University organizations, including our own, drive to Mexico. Thus giving us the nickname, “The Driving Samaritans”.
Where is our clinic?
Our clinic is located an hour south of the San Ysidro border crossing located in a town called La Misión.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
You can find travel advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico here.
Safety of volunteers is the number one priority of the Flying Samaritans of CSUSM. We will only be traveling as a group in Mexico during daylight hours. Volunteers will travel in caravans where each car has at least one spanish speaker, a person with cell service, and an executive officer who knows the directions to and from clinic.
When are clinics held?
Clinics are held every second Saturday of the month tentatively starting in August.
What should I expect at clinic as a volunteer?
All volunteers are required to practice strict patient confidentiality and privacy protocols, and should not perform any procedures or activities that are considered illegal in the U.S.. Specific duties of volunteers are determined by the station that has been assigned to them. Please visit the clinic page for more information about the clinic stations.
What should I bring to clinic?
- American Passport or Visa
- Food
- Water
- Comfortable clothes
- Medical equipment that you normally use (Stethoscope, BP cuff, etc.) applicable to providers only
What if I don’t speak Spanish?
Speaking Spanish is not a requirement, but it is helpful. However, translators will be available to communicate between professionals and the patients.
What are the requirements to attend clinic?
Due to the size of our clinic, we are unable to take every interested volunteer monthly. Therefore, participating in our monthly fundraisers, participating in the primary and secondary clinic eligibility, attending a general meeting, and clinical training are to be met before being chosen to attend a clinic. Monthly clinic sign-up sheets will be emailed to all members who are on our email list.
How can I be a member?
Please visit the “Interested Individuals” page under the Volunteer tab for detailed information on how to become a member of the CSUSM Flying Samaritans chapter. Email is our highly used method of communication. Therefore, please subscribe to our emailing list.
Can I still volunteer if I am an alumnus?
Absolutely! The CSUSM Flying Samaritans are open to all current and former students.
Flying Samaritans of CSUSM 