HEAL International is a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare, microfinance, and health-related education to resource-limited communities.
A HEAL volunteer working in Arusha, Tanzania
We believe that they can write their own future.
Given the right opportunity, communities can develop programs that support their vision of a new future. Our job is to provide resources and expertise, and then to move out of the way.
HEAL International is a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare, microfinance, and health-related education to resource-limited communities.
The work of HEAL International is based on the principle that every human life has equal value, irrespective of socioeconomic status. Adults and children living in areas that lack essential health services bear a disproportionate burden of disease and health complications and have been shown to have a shorter life expectancy than people living in communities that have access to basic health services and health education. Moreover, medical infrastructure and economics are intimately linked. Poor health conditions and infrastructure in resource-limited communities can have a dramatic effect on local economies.
HEAL International provides three primary services:
1) Innovative Healthcare Support - HEAL International's innovative healthcare programs utilize local relationships and talent to create improved quality of life for people living in resource-limited areas. Our programs are designed with community adoption and sustainability in mind. Volunteers working in our service areas have the opportunity to participate in creating and maintaining innovative healthcare solutions for communities.
2) Health-related Community Education - HEAL International has leveraged partnerships with both U.S. universities and on-the-ground community education groups to create teaching curricula and educational programs for resource-limited communities. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in creating and validating HEAL International curricula, as well as teaching from it in communities.
3) Microfinance - HEAL International recognizes that sometimes the path to community health leads through community economic development. HEAL International provides small grants and loans consistent with the Grameen microfinance philosophy and model.