Safety and Health

JVC offers health insurance for all Jesuit Volunteers during their terms of service.
- Domestic JVs are provided medical, prescription, and dental insurance via Christian Brothers Employee Benefit Trust, which begins September 1 and runs through the last day of the final month of the JV's service.
  - Vision (i.e. contact lenses, glasses, etc.) is not covered under this plan.
- International JVs are provided basic medical coverage, emergency medevacuations, and prescriptions via HTH WorldWide Insurance. Coverage under this plan begins on the first day of the first month the JV begins to serve internationally.
  - Dental and vision are not covered.
  - In each of the countries JVs serve in, there is at least one HTH-recognized clinic, doctor, or hospital within reasonable distance.
If you have any concerns about medical or healthcare needs, please contact JVC to discuss.

The demands of the JVC program can be taxing at times. For this reason, the staff encourages JVs to be as open as they feel comfortable with their needs and concerns throughout the year. JVC makes it a priority to provide encouragement, advice, and resources on methods of self-care and stress management to JVs throughout the year. Formal and Informal support is also available from local support people and in-country coordinators.
Domestic JVs will be provided with contact information for mental-health liasions in their local communities. In the event that a JV becomes overwhelmed and counseling is deemed necessary, he or she is encouraged to seek professional help through our mental-health contacts and the Christian Brothers network of mental-health providers.

Safety is a top priority for JVC staff when determining the suitability of a work placement or living situation.

JVs generally live and work in low-income neighborhoods, which vary significantly from rural to urban environments. It is often common for JVs to use public transportation to get to and from work. All JVs are encouraged to use common sense, take necessary precautions, and be aware of their surroundings.
JVs often live in neighborhoods where crime is a fact of life. During Orientation, JVC staff stresses the importance of taking safety precautions and provides resources for the JVs to review and discuss with their communities. In addition, JVs are given emergency contact information for JVC staff should an emergency arise.
JVC's program has some built-in safety factors. Living in community assures JVs that they are not alone. Neighbors see JVs as connected to the Church, which gives them a measure of respect and protection. JVs are encouraged to get to know their neighbors. Throughout the history of JVC, this experience has helped build positive networks in neighborhoods where JVC has a long-standing presence.
Depending on where a JV is placed, there are certain proclivities for harsh weather and extreme conditions. Each JV is informed of evacuation proceedures designed for their specific location. JVs are encouraged to work as a community to best prepare for potential emergencies.