Editor’s Note: This article was written by HVO Communications & Development Coordinator, Katie McMullen. Katie has been a member of HVO staff since 2011 and a donor since she joined staff.
I make an annual gift to Health Volunteers Overseas, and I hope you will too.
As a member of HVO staff, I have the privilege of witnessing the generosity, intelligence and determination of health workers around the world – and the incredible impact they have on the lives of patients they serve. The heroism of health workers – including HVO volunteers and the overseas providers and students they serve – is truly inspiring.
These health heroes are why I give to HVO.
I’ve spoken with overseas health workers who describe the hardships they face due to the shortage of care providers in their countries. They’ve described their exhausting work schedules, their limited access to health care supplies, their professional isolation, and their own heartbreak when they are unable to help a patient because of these challenges.
They’ve also described how HVO volunteers are helping them overcome many of these challenges, explaining that learning new information, practicing new skills, and discussing their work with colleagues provide the opportunity to learn and grow in their specialty. Their relationships they form with HVO volunteers provide opportunities to keep learning and help more patients.
Our volunteers, too, report on the dedication and determination of these local providers to bring the best care possible to the communities that they serve. It is often what inspires volunteers to commit their time and resources to HVO’s global health efforts.
I give to HVO because these health heroes deserve the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to grow in their profession and to be able to meet the needs of their patients – and their patients deserve that too.
HVO is in the midst of its year-end campaign – a two-month drive to raise $200,000 to support HVO’s programs that empower and inspire health workers around the world with education, training and professional opportunity.
Please, join me in supporting these efforts. Give today.
By the way, #GivingTuesday (December 1) is less than two weeks away. This global day of giving is an ideal opportunity to share HVO with your family, friends and colleagues on Twitterand Facebook.