Timmy Global Health at Indiana University

Timmy Global Health at Indiana University its the largest and oldest collegiate chapter of Timmy Global Health.

Timmy Global Health is an Indianapolis-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that expands access to healthcare and empowers students and volunteers to tackle today’s most pressing global health challenges. We believe all people, regardless of who they are, what resources they have, or where they live, should have access to quality healthcare. The organization was founded in 1997 by Dr. Charles (Chuck) Dietzen, a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. After working in a number of international settings, including with Mother Teresa, Dr. Chuck was inspired to serve more communities by engaging the next generation of healthcare leaders. The organization was named after Dr. Chuck’s brother Timmy, who passed away in his infancy.

Year-round, Timmy members raise funds to support our partner clinics, advocate among the campus community about global health issues, and volunteer in the community. Every spring break, we send our members and medical professionals on medical brigades to international and domestic locations to work with local doctors and nurses in a health care setting serving marginalized populations. We assist in the expansion of sustainable healthcare to those who need it most. Our members scribe, shadow, translate, and take vitals on our clinic days.

Our chapter partners with 32 Volcanes, a clinic in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. 32 Volcanes works exclusively on innovative health and education projects designed to make a social impact in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life in local indigenous communities, and its founders have over 27 years of experience working on development initiatives in the region. Alongside 32 Volcanes, Timmy hosts five annual medical brigades, manages our patient referral program, and provides year-round support for 32 Volcanes’ health programming, including a nutrition program for moms and infants, a clinic for low-income patients, and public health education program for our patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Our chapter also works in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Ecuador, alongside the Centro de Salud Hombro a Hombro (CSHH), a local clinic that was established in 2007. The facility has three medical exam rooms, a dental room with a dental chair, an office, and a pharmacy. Despite the modest size of the clinic, CSHH serves about 20,000 patients from the barrios (poor urban neighborhoods) each year. CSHH also supports a number of community health projects—including a partnership with area schools that help receive regular well checks, much-needed lab exams, and health education workshops. 

We also send a spring break domestic brigade in partnership with Remote Area Medical on a trip to Rockford, TN. Remote Area Medical (RAM) is a major nonprofit provider of free mobile clinics in remote and underserved areas. During our partnership, we assist at clinics in Nashville and Cookeville, TN, where we act as dental assistants, translators, patient registration technicians, and more. We regularly see over 1,000 patients during our work on clinic days. Additionally, we work with RAM headquarters to gain insights into the behind-the-scenes operations of a major nonprofit.

During the school year, we encourage youth to lead healthy lives at local elementary schools through IU Health’s G.O.A.L. program, volunteer at Hoosier Hills Food Bank twice a week, and engage in a variety of other community service activities. Every two weeks, we have mass meetings where we all come together to discuss a certain topic in global health. The conversations lead members to gain new insights and perspectives, forming a passionate community of Timmies focused on reducing health disparities. 

As you can see, we like to keep ourselves busy! Being a member in Timmy is like being part of a family. We strive to foster well-informed student leaders that will ultimately take what they learn to ultimately better the world around us. All we ask of our members is to stay involved and engaged as best as they can.

Interested in becoming a Timmy? Our most up to date information can be found on our website. Send any questions or concerns to tgh@indiana.edu.