At various times, Project HOPE has brought our global expertise to tackle health problems in the United States, particularly in response to large natural disasters that critically impact health and well-being. Most recently, in 2017, HOPE responded to three major hurricanes – Harvey, Irma and Maria – through sending medical volunteers to Texas, Florida and the US Territory of Puerto Rico. Our Emergency Response Team (ERT) of staff and expert volunteers reached more than 7,000 people with primary care, immunizations and mental health services.

In Puerto Rico, Project HOPE’s emergency response team deployed quickly following the destruction of Hurricane Maria to assess the impact and health needs of survivors. As one of the first NGOs to arrive on the island, our medical volunteers provided health services through mobile health clinics in areas where the need was greatest and access to health care was scarce. Today, Puerto Rico’s health needs are still significant, and we are still there, working with local partners to tackle the burdens of diabetes and hypertension and strengthen emergency preparedness.

Nayeli Pagan still remembers the first harrowing hours after Hurricane Maria made landfall last year. The sound of the howling wind and the fear of not having the diabetes medication she needed to stay alive.

Read her story here →

In Houston following Hurricane Harvey, we supported the development of mobile medical services for the San Jose Clinic to provide ongoing care to affected populations.

In Florida following Hurricane Irma, HOPE provided care for elderly and special needs patients at a shelter while they were unable to return home.

Our History in the United States & Territories

In 1969, Project HOPE began conducting health programs in the Southwest, helping primarily Hispanic and Native American communities along the border regions. The programs targeted rural, medically underserved areas and focused on developing primary care services and training primary health care workers. More recently, our programs in the United States have addressed chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

From 2009 to 2012, Project HOPE, in partnership with United Health Group, ran the Habits for Life program in New Mexico. Habits for Life offered screenings and prevention education for diabetes, hypertension and obesity in an effort to raise awareness and increase access to care.

In 2011, Project HOPE assisted the Delta Health Alliance including the Leland Medical Clinic in the underserved, rural Mississippi Delta region by providing donated medical supplies and clinic equipment.

Project HOPE has also supplied donated medicines and clinic equipment to free medical clinics in Virginia and West Virginia.