Category: News
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Empowering Those Who Care for Us
We recently held an intensive workshop with Dr. Luisa Almonte, Coordinator of our Chronic Care Program focused on Early Detection and Diagnosis Skills, which are practical skills our community health workers rely on in their daily work. The session emphasized early identification of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, two of the leading causes of…
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When Women Lead the Way
In rural Montellano, Dominican Republic, women have long faced deep gaps in healthcare — delayed cancer detection, limited access to contraception, scarce maternal care, and almost no mental health support. But these weren’t just medical gaps — they were systemic, cultural, and the result of women being left out of decision-making spaces for far too…
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From Darkness to Light
We first arrived at María Pita’s wooden house on a hot May afternoon in 2024, guided by the crackling strains of an old radio unfurling bachata into the breeze. Even before we saw the sun-bleached planks, the music told us we were close. Seventy-year-old María—upright in a rocking chair, a floral kerchief framing her face—was…
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The World in Color Again
Mercedes Almonte García—known to everyone as “Diega”—has always been the bright spirit of her neighborhood in San Felipe, Puerto Plata, the island’s storied tacita de plata. Now 77, her laugh still rings like tiny bells. A single mother, she has turned every hardship into an act of love for her daughter Patricia and, above all,…
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When Faith Holds the Gaze
There are stories that remind us of the immense power of hope. The story of Kennedy “Kenny” Sánchez is one of them. He was born on May 8, 1971, in the humble Colonia de Oviedo, Barahona, Dominican Republic. From an early age, he experienced the weight of sacrifice. Life took his father when he was…
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175 Lives, 20 Communities, One Mission
We are excited to share the success of our recent Medical Service Trip, during which our team delivered vital healthcare services to 175 individuals across more than 20 communities, reaching those who often face significant barriers to accessing care. Our incredible doctors—Anne, Brad, Craig, Sam, and Stacy—brought their expertise to the forefront, addressing a wide…
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The Art of Healing
Reina Margarita Richard, better known as Melania, is a woman with a story full of resilience and creativity. At 61, she’s seen her share of struggles and triumphs. Born in Villa Montellano, a small town in the Dominican Republic, Melania grew up in the El Tamarindo community, where her artistic talents started to shine early…
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Caring For The Caregivers
Yudelka María Dorrejo Santos de Balbuena, or Yudi as she’s affectionately called, has a life story filled with hard work, determination, and care for her family and community. Born in Santiago, her life took a new turn at the age of 14 when she moved to the small community of El Tamarindo in Montellano. There,…
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Eliezer Lappots-Abreu, HHI Executive Director, Wins Lead2030 Award
Eliezer (Eli) Lappots-Abreu has become the first Dominican recipient of the Lead2030 Award from AstraZeneca and One Young World. This award recognizes leaders aged 30 and under who are committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In partnership with the United Nations, One Young World has adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from ending hunger…
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Tata’s Battle Against Cervical Cancer
In a small house in Puerto Plata, the grates open and Tata steps out – one of the most resilient patients who has touched the lives of people at Health Horizons International Foundation. Originally from the beautiful city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Osta Mednad (nicknamed Tata) crossed the border about four years ago, seeking a…