As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S. this week, I find myself reflecting on the impressive generosity that enables HVO to fulfill its mission and have lasting impact. Our global health community is full of dedicated individuals and groups who contribute their time, talents and resources to increase the quality and accessibility of health care in communities around the world:
Our volunteers: These dedicated health care providers invest so much in the success of their overseas assignments. They pay their own way and prepare their own lectures and lessons. They overcome the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and traveling internationally. They provide essential professional support to the health workers they encounter on assignment – and many remain in contact with their overseas colleagues long after they return home. By sharing their knowledge, skills and professional insight, HVO volunteers empower their colleagues, build-up their students, and strengthen the health systems they visit. Their work underlies HVO’s mission.
Our leadership: The HVO leadership team is comprised of individuals who have served as volunteers and now offer their expertise to help manage HVO programs and projects. Our committee members provide oversight and information to launch and maintain HVO projects. Our project directors provide guidance and support to volunteers going on assignment and maintain HVO’s connection to the site. Both leadership groups work to ensure that our volunteers and projects meet the needs of our overseas partners and that our work has a positive, long-term impact.
Our members, donors, sponsors and corporate/organizational partners: HVO is fortunate to receive financial support from numerous individuals and organizations who are dedicated to the idea that people lay at the heart of health care. Donations from our members, donors and partners support the work of our leaders and volunteers. These contributions allow us to create and maintain projects, recruit and support volunteers, and provide professional opportunities to health workers in resource-scarce countries. Without the support of our donors, HVO’s work would not be possible.
Our overseas partners: Our overseas partners are essential to HVO’s mission and impact. HVO provides opportunities, but our overseas partners dedicate themselves to making the most of those opportunities. They give their time to welcome our volunteers and strive constantly to improve their own skills and knowledge. They dedicate their careers to providing essential care to their communities. Their work saves lives, and HVO is proud to support them.
Thank you for your contributions – whether you travel overseas to share your knowledge and skills or provide expertise and insight to manage HVO programs or make an annual financial contribution that supports our work – you enable HVO to fulfill its mission and are an invaluable part of our 30-year story of impact. You empower health workers. You bring more and better health care to communities around the world. You save lives.
THANK YOU.