Health Horizons International

07/25/2025

🧠 Strengthening the Role of Community Leaders in Mental Health 🕊

On Tuesday, July 22, a community workshop on mental health was held in the municipality of Villa Montellano, with active participation from local religious and community leaders. This initiative recognized the vital influence these leaders have in supporting and guiding individuals facing emotional challenges.

The session was led by Lic. Griselda Almonte, a clinical psychologist and Provincial Coordinator of the Network of Community Mediator Leaders (RELMEC), an inter-institutional platform supported by the Ministry of Interior and Police, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Catholic Church.

During the workshop, Lic. Almonte delivered a talk titled “The Role of Community Leaders in Promoting Mental Health,” emphasizing the transformative power of leaders as bridges between the community and mental health services. She also shared key strategies for identifying warning signs, providing empathetic support, and making timely referrals to specialized care.

This gathering marked another step toward building more empathetic, informed, and resilient communities. 💬❤‍🩹

07/12/2025

We’re honored to share one of the most significant institutional victories in Health Horizons International’s history!

PROMESE/CAL has officially granted HHI a permanent pharmacy registration code, making us the first non-governmental organization to receive a bimonthly revolving allocation for direct medication purchases through the national pharmaceutical system.

We are especially grateful to the Consulado General de la República Dominicana en New York for their unwavering advocacy, and to our dear friend Karen Mejía, the incredible leader at PROMESECAL who has championed HHI since her first visit to our doors.

What does this mean for our patients? It means dignity. Continuity. And a future where no one has to choose between medicine and survival.

This allocation:
▶️ Provides us revolving credit to purchase essential medications not covered under existing donation schemes (such as over-the-counter treatments, iron, analgesics, and topical creams).
▶️ Officially integrates us into the national pharmaceutical network, ensuring long-term supply chain stability.
▶️ Reduces our dependence on intermittent donations and gives us greater agency to meet patient needs in real time.

Most remarkably, HHI has now been formally included in nine high-impact national therapeutic programs:
▶️ PROMESECAL Neonatal Care Program (PAUCIN)
▶️ Mental Health Medication Program (PAUSAM)
▶️ National Diabetes Program (PROMEDIA)
▶️ Glaucoma Program (PROMEGOTAS)
▶️ Electrolyte Disorder Program (PROMEPSAL)
▶️ Nutritional Therapy Program (PRONEPAR)
▶️ Cardiac Reperfusion Program (PRONARCOR)
▶️ Parkinson’s Disease Program (PROMEPARK)
▶️ Hemophilia Therapy Program (PROMHEFILIA)

This is a bold, unprecedented shift. HHI is no longer seen as a peripheral actor, but as a trusted, institutional partner in advancing national health priorities. And as our patient numbers grow, so will the support we receive.

Thank you to every partner, advocate, and believer who helped make this possible. We’re just getting started.

06/28/2025

Earlier this month, we teamed up with the United Hands Against Cancer Board of Puerto Plata Province for an important conversation in Villa Montellano: how to prevent breast and prostate cancer.

We met at the Municipal Market to share clear, practical information about early detection, prevention, and where to go for help if you or someone you love is facing these challenges.

At Health Horizons International, we believe knowledge saves lives. Thank you to everyone in Villa Montellano who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and is helping spread awareness. Together, we’re building healthier, more informed communities. ❤️

06/22/2025

"I came alone, but I left with a family."

When Kennedy “Kenny” Sánchez arrived for cataract surgery, he had lost nearly all his vision, and had no one by his side. He showed up with nothing but hope.

That day, we became his family.

Now, Kenny can see again. He walks with confidence. He lives with joy.

His story is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. 💛✨

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 …

05/28/2025

🔵 “Emotional abuse doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it whispers self-doubt, guilt, fear—and quietly settles into the minds of our adolescents. Today, we chose to break that silence.”

As part of our Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy and commitment to mental health, we held a community workshop at Liceo Ivelisse Corniel in Villa Montellano focused on preventing and detecting emotional abuse in adolescents.

Led by Clinical Psychologist Juan Ureña Cordero, the session equipped students with tools to recognize warning signs, set boundaries, and seek help. More importantly, it offered a safe space—where, for some, it was the first time they could name what they were feeling.

🧠 Why focus on adolescent mental health?

➤ Because 1 in 7 adolescents in Latin America faces a mental health issue—often tied to emotional abuse (WHO).
➤ Because 37% of adolescent girls in the Dominican Republic report feeling emotionally unsafe (Ministry of Public Health).
➤ Because emotional abuse leaves no bruises, but lasting scars.

⚕ This workshop is part of a broader response.

At Health Horizons International (HHI), we treat mental health as foundational. Our PHC approach includes emotional well-being as a core pillar of prevention and resilience.

That means bringing these conversations into schools and homes, training health workers to spot red flags, building referral networks, and fighting stigma.

🌱 Investing in adolescent mental health isn’t just about protecting the present—it’s about shaping stronger, more compassionate communities.

We’re deeply grateful to the faculty of Liceo Ivelisse Corniel, the brave students who joined us, and the insight and heart of Juan Ureña Cordero. You’re all part of the movement we’re building.

🔗 We remain committed to a community-based health model that listens, supports, and transforms. Because every time a young person feels seen, we plant the seed of healing—and that’s where real change begins.

05/20/2025

Do you want to use your digital marketing expertise to advance health equity?

Join us as a Pro Bono Digital Marketing Specialist and play a pivotal role in amplifying our impact!

Role Overview
In this volunteer position, you’ll use your expertise in Google Ads and SEO to expand HHI’s online visibility and fundraising efforts. Your work will directly support our mission to bring life-changing healthcare to vulnerable communities.

Key Responsibilities
✅ Conduct keyword research aligned with HHI’s programs and fundraising goals
✅ Recommend strategies to optimize Google Ads campaigns
✅ Provide SEO guidance to improve website traffic and engagement
✅ Deliverables include a keyword list, campaign recommendations, and a brief report within 2–4 weeks

Qualifications
✅ Experience with Google Ads, keyword research, and SEO
✅ Familiarity with tools such as Google Keyword Planner and Google Analytics
✅ Passion for health equity and nonprofit work

Your skills will help us connect more effectively with supporters and expand our reach. By optimizing our digital presence, you’ll play a key role in helping us deliver more health services to those who need them most.

Ready to make an impact? Send your resume and a brief cover letter to info@hhidr.org. We’d love to hear from you!

05/17/2025

Today, we had a great time with the women of Fundación Blackwood Jardín Esperanza, talking about a topic that affects so many: obesity, diabetes, and why staying active matters.

We discussed how these health issues are connected, and how small changes (like adding regular exercise to your routine) can make a big difference in preventing and managing them.

Thanks to everyone who showed up and joined the conversation. Let’s keep moving toward healthier, more active lives! 💪🏾🌿

05/09/2025

We did it—and we did it BIG. 💥

In just four days, our amazing team delivered 192 consultations—that’s 63% more than we expected. 💙

Here’s a glimpse of what we achieved together:
🔹 55 chronic care patients
🔹 32 with hypertension
🔹 3 with diabetes
🔹 1 with asthma
🔹 18 combined condition cases
🔹 137 follow-up appointments scheduled
🔹 92 specialist referrals
🔹 16 home visits

Behind every number is someone who received the care they needed—because of you.

To every provider, volunteer, and supporter: THANK YOU. You made a real difference, and it showed in every moment and every interaction. Let’s keep the momentum going. This work matters—and so do you. ✨

04/14/2025

🌟 Puerto Plata Made History: Justice in Sight 🌟

From April 6–10, 2025, something extraordinary transformed lives in Puerto Plata. For the first time in the province’s history, dozens of individuals – many who had lived for years in the shadows of systemic neglect – gained access to sight-restoring surgeries previously unavailable through the public health system.

In just five days, 50 life-changing procedures were performed:

• 22 cataract surgeries, lifting the fog that had clouded lives for years
• 20 pterygium removals, relieving pain and restoring clarity
• 8 strabismus corrections, giving both children and adults the gift of confidence and self-acceptance

This was a chance to restore what many had lost – justice, dignity, and the ability to see again. The loss of sight should never result from financial barriers. This clinic marked a revolutionary step for a public health system that had never offered these simple procedures.

📍 The Ministerio de Salud Pública de la República Dominicana called it “the most impactful surgical initiative in the history of Puerto Plata.”
💡 Visiting surgeons spoke highly of the team’s organization and commitment throughout the week.
❤️ Most importantly, patients reminded us that restoring vision creates endless possibilities.

We extend our gratitude to:
• Casa La Luz, for being the logistical and clinical backbone of this operation
• Hospital Ricardo Limardo, for opening its doors and believing in this mission
• And to every team member whose dedication and compassion turned this vision into reality

This clinic changed lives in powerful ways – breaking barriers and bringing hope to so many. Puerto Plata is being transformed, and the future is already brighter.

04/02/2025

Building Healthier Generations Starts Now. 🌱👧🏽👦🏾
At HHI, we believe that healthy communities begin with healthy children. That’s why our Estrategia Kids initiative is empowering young students with the tools to build a lifetime of wellness.

Why focus on kids?
Because habits start early—and last a lifetime.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 1 in 5 children is living with overweight or obesity, increasing their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes at younger ages. In the Dominican Republic, over 30% of adults face preventable chronic conditions.

We’re changing that—starting in the classroom.

Through Estrategia Kids, children learn to:
✅ Enjoy balanced nutrition
✅ Choose natural over processed foods
✅ Stay active for a healthy heart
✅ Prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases
✅ Embrace self-care and body positivity from an early age

We partner with teachers, health workers, families, and schools to ensure every child has the knowledge—and confidence—to thrive.

Because when we teach a child to care for their health, we don’t just protect their future—we uplift entire communities.

Prevention is our promise.
Education is our path.
Health equity is our mission.

03/29/2025

This week, our incredible Community Health Workers gathered for a powerful and inspiring workshop on Sexual and Reproductive Health, led by Ing. Laura Massiel Castillo, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at HHI. This session is part of our ongoing commitment to support and strengthen the frontline heroes of community health.

What did we explore together? Through an inclusive, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive approach, we covered:

✅ The family planning methods promoted by HHI — focusing on their effectiveness, accessibility, and cultural relevance.
✅ The most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in our region — including up-to-date information on prevalence, risk factors, and vulnerable groups.
✅ Prevention strategies and available treatments — debunking myths and offering clear, practical guidance to help manage these conditions.
✅ How to approach these topics within our communities — with an emphasis on empathy, confidentiality, and respect in every conversation.

But this workshop went beyond just technical knowledge. It created an open, dynamic space where our Community Health Workers could share experiences, raise questions, and collaborate on how best to support youth, women, and families in making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Ing. Laura Massiel emphasized that sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental human right. She reminded us that every health worker plays a key role in breaking the silence, challenging stigma, and building trust within their communities.

At HHI, we believe that empowering our health promoters with the right knowledge, tools, and compassionate support is essential to transforming lives and ensuring everyone has access to dignified, stigma-free healthcare.

To all of our community leaders: thank you for your dedication, your eagerness to learn, and for being the vital link between information and action.

03/27/2025

🌟 ¡Regalando luz y esperanza! Cirugías visuales totalmente gratuitas 🌟

En Horizontes de Salud, sabemos que una buena visión transforma vidas. Muchas personas en nuestras comunidades han perdido su independencia, su capacidad de trabajar y hasta de disfrutar pequeños momentos por condiciones visuales tratables. Por eso, junto a un equipo de especialistas internacionales de Casa de Luz, estamos brindando una oportunidad única: cirugías visuales completamente gratuitas.

📍 ¿Dónde? Hospital Ricardo Limardo
📅 ¿Cuándo? Del 6 al 13 de abril

💙 ¿Quiénes pueden beneficiarse?
Personas que padecen de:
✅ Cataratas – Visión nublada o borrosa que dificulta las actividades diarias.
✅ Pterigion (uñas en los ojos) – Una afección que puede causar molestias y afectar la visión.
✅ Estrabismo (ojos bizcos) – Problema en la alineación de los ojos que puede afectar la visión y la autoestima.

🔬 Evaluación previa obligatoria:
📆 El 6 de abril realizaremos todas las evaluaciones necesarias para garantizar que los pacientes sean aptos para cirugía.

Building a new vision for community health and primary care in underserved communities of the Dominican Republic