Operation Smile

Club Description

Operation Smile is a nonprofit organization committed to providing worldwide free, comprehensive healthcare to those suffering from cleft lip and palate. At the UVA club level, students fund, volunteer, and spread awareness for the cause. Members also have the opportunity to participate in executive leadership roles and global surgical programs. Operation Smile Student Programs leads the club's efforts at the University level by providing directional volunteer opportunities, hosting monthly national meetings, and creating developmental programs for university-level students to participate in. “Operation Smile counts on the compassion of students, parents, and educators to help us bring as many smiles as we can to children all across the world. From the hundreds of sponsored clubs throughout the globe, to the student volunteers selected to accompany us on our missions, we depend on our young leaders to build awareness, raise funds and educate others on our mission.” - Student ProgramsMission Statement: Through our expertise in treating cleft lip and palate, Operation Smile creates solutions that deliver safe surgery to people where it's needed most. What started as a family-led, surgical-program-based organization has grown into a global network of passionate individuals united under the belief that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.