Hesperian Health Guides

Join us on October 10 from 4:30-7:00PM at Hesperian's office in Oakland, CA to honor Lee Gallery's volunteer service with our Gratis Books Program!
Over the last 25 years, Lee has helped us ship thousands of free health resources to communities in need.
hesperian.org#custom-break...

International Safe Abortion Day affirms safe abortion as life-saving healthcare. Hesperian’s Safe Abortion App provides accurate, comprehensive information in simple, nonjudgmental language. Designed for privacy, the app includes local organizations that can help.
hesperian.org/safe-abortio...

Great news! Our Mpox factsheet (available in Chi-Chewa, French, and Spanish) supports communities managing new and ongoing outbreaks with information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment. en.hesperian.org/hhg/Mpox?utm...

We agree! Our "Where There Is No Doctor" section on Water and Sanitation explains how to make a tippy-tappy and other handwashing options in places without running water. en.hesperian.org/hhg/New_Wher...

Donate to Help victims Earthquake with Rashid Khan, organized by Albert Scheffer Help the Earthquake Victims in Afghanistan with Rashid Khan. On September… Albert Scheffer needs your support for Help victims Earthquake with Rashid Khan

Over 1,000 lives have been lost and 3,000+ people injured after a devastating earthquake hit Afghanistan.

The Khan Foundation is raising funds for rescue, medical aid, and rebuilding.

Please donate if you can.

www.gofundme.com/f/ehhmk4-hel...

#Afghanistan #EarthquakeRelief #MutualAid

A square social media graphic with a light peach colored background. There are lineart images of a hard hat, abstract shapes, and gears against the background. There are two illustrations: one of a woman’s hand holding up a megaphone, and one of a woman with her back turned to the viewer flexing a bicep with a confident look. Title of the graphic says “5 Tips for Promoting Worker Safety”. There are 5 individual numbered boxes with the following text: 1. Learn. Educate yourself and provide others with the information and advice they need to take action. 2. Identify. Observe your workplace to identify problems and find the right resources to solve them. 3. Cooperate. Build relationships with friendly OSH professionals to help you and your coworkers. 4. Organize. Workers are their own best advocates and will benefit the most from working together. 5. Support. Encourage workers who are ready to organize around issues relevant to them. Read our free resource “Workers’ Guide to Health and Safety” today to learn how to organize and advocate for better working conditions. URL goes to www.hesperian.org/hhg/HealthWiki

In honor of Labor Day, here are some tips you and your colleagues can use to promote worker health and safety. Read our free resource “Workers’ Guide to Health and Safety” for tips on how you and your colleagues can advocate for safe and healthy working conditions. en.hesperian.org/hhg/Workers%...

A graphic featuring a computer screen and a smartphone. The headline reads “Hesperian Health Guides has a New Storefront!”The subtitle reads “Save 25% with code DIRECT25.” Both screens display books for sale in the Hesperian store (store.hesperian.org)

Find Hesperian resources in the format and language you need at our new online bookstore! To celebrate, Hesperian is offering 25% off all its titles with the discount code DIRECT25 now through the end of August!
store.hesperian.org?utm_source=b...

Hesperian board member Sarah Jane Holcombe sits behind a table lined with Hesperian books. On either side of the table, banners advertise Hesperian's "Where There Is No Doctor" and the suite of reproductive health apps with a link to www.hesperian.org

Hesperian is announcing a generous donor match of up to $3,000 in gifts from Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to fund our Gratis Books Program. This initiative sends thousands of books to teachers, health workers, and RPCVs.

Please share with the RPCVs in your life!
hesperian.org/get-involved...

Kirk Scirto, author of Hesperian's “Doing Global Health Work: Approaches That Really Make A Difference”, was recently interviewed on a podcast hosted by Influent where he shared more of these tips and advice for the global health community. Listen to the episode here: heyinfluent.com/podcasts/pra...

While it’s tempting for outsiders to impose their own healthcare ideals on the communities they serve, it’s far better and more sustainable to empower locals to take charge of their health in ways that align with their culture. Here are some tips from “Doing Global Health Work” by Kirk Scirto

A square social media graphic with an illustration of a mother wearing overalls with a young toddler in her lap. She is sitting on the floor comforting a slightly older, sad looking child with an outstretched hand, touching his head. Title reads: “Identifying Pain in Children”. A paragraph below the title states, “Children are not always able to tell us about the pain they’re experiencing. Here are some signs to look for.” A bulleted list follows: “Cries or moans when touched or moved. Restless or unable to sleep. Fast heartbeat or breathing rate. Holds or refuses to move a part of their body. Keeps to themselves, is sad, or is very quiet. Refuses to eat or play.” Below is a URL “Learn more at: Hesperian.org/hhg/Disabled_Village_Children”

Whether they’re too young, nonverbal, or disabled, children can’t always tell us when they’re in pain, and it’s up to their caregivers and other adults to pay attention to any signs of discomfort. Here are some tips for how you can identify pain in children so you can take immediate action. #Health

A square social media graphic with a yellow background. The background also has a lined globe, and on one side an illustration of a germ with a cross through it, on the other side is an illustration of a healthcare worker giving a child a vaccination shot in the arm. Title reads “Effective Vaccination Depends on Many Factors”. Below is the sentence, “Despite the availability of vaccines, preventable diseases are still common in many countries for a variety of reasons.” A list of factors follows: “ECONOMIC Community leaders need to be convinced that the costs associated with stopping a disease are worth it. MANAGEMENT Logistics around transportation and distribution need to be planned in advance. PRESERVATION In many countries, ⅓ of vaccines are spoiled by the time they reach people. EDUCATION People must understand the value of vaccination and want to cooperate. POLITICAL Vaccination programs are most successful where the government fairly represents the people and has their full participation in countrywide vaccination campaigns.” On the left hand lower side is a call-out box that says “Learn more about how vaccines prevent illness and disability hesperian.org/hhg/Disabled_Village_Children”

Vaccines prevent illness, prevent disability, and save lives, but there are many factors that can prevent people from getting the care they need. Even preventable diseases like polio are still common in some countries because of political, economic, and logistical factors. #HealthTips #Vaccines

With many people living in poverty or without regular access to healthy food, cooking nutritious meals that feature a variety of foods as well as contain essential vitamins and minerals can be difficult. Here are just some suggestions for ways you can stretch your budget and get the most nutrition from what’s available.

In order to learn and grow, children need regular interaction, stimulation, and ample opportunities to use their senses to interact with the world around them. Here are some ways you can help encourage children to explore and develop their bodies and minds. #EarlyChildhood

A square social media graphic with a medium yellow background with an illustration of beans behind the text. There is an illustration of a windowsill vegetable growing box growing heads of lettuce and onions. Above it are some other vegetables: bell pepper, broccoli, green onion. Text reads “Eating Well When You Have Little: Poverty and hunger often go hand-in-hand, but there are ways to cook healthy, nutritious meals even on a tight budget.” A bulleted list is as follows: Buy inexpensive, nutritious foods like beans and grains. Avoid expensive and heavily-processed, factory-made foods like white bread, cereals, and tinned soups. Grow your own vegetables in containers or a garden. Save the nutritious broth from cooking beans, meat, or vegetables to drink or cook with. Bulk buy ingredients rather than single-serving packages. Learn more at: Hesperian.org/hhg/HealthWiki

When living in poverty or without regular access to healthy food, it can be difficult to cook healthy, nutritious meals. Here are some suggestions for ways you can stretch your budget and get the most from the food that’s available. Do you have any other tips? Share in the comments! #HealthTips

Our book, Where Women Have No Doctor includes a chapter on ways that outside support and organizing by refugees and displaced people can improve conditions for women in their new communities.

Read it for free in English, Spanish, French, and Filipino on our HealthWiki.

A social media graphic with a silhouetted illustration of refugees walking left to right across the bottom of the graphic. A world map is in the background. Text reads: “World Refugee Day June 20, 2025: How You Can Support Refugees in Your Community. Every act of welcome and inclusion, no matter how small, brings us closer to a world where every person can find belonging, purpose, and hope.” A bulleted list follows: “Advocate for policies that protect and support people forced to flee their homes. Share refugee stories with your friends and family. Offer your time or provide them with a job to help them rebuild their lives. Welcome them to become part of your community through words and action.”

Becoming a refugee is not a choice, but choosing acts of kindness, inclusion, and solidarity towards people fleeing their homes is. By welcoming refugees into your community, you are helping people escaping from war or violence regain their dignity and rebuild their lives. #WorldRefugeeDay

An illustration of a dad holding a young boy on his shoulders, the boy is holding a blue kite. They are both facing away from the viewer. There are kites in the background. Text reads “5 Tips for Inclusive Community Events”. A checklist follows: Is the location easy to get to without a car? Can people with disabilities easily access the venue? Does the timing account for family and work schedules? Will families with young children feel welcome? Will non-English speakers be able to engage and participate? Below is a section that reads “Community Health is Mental Health. Get more tips for building community” with the URL hesperian.org/mental-health

As summer approaches, community gatherings are a great way to build connections and boost collective mental health. Here are some questions to ask to ensure all are welcome to your event. Comment with your suggestions to make public events more inclusive!
Learn more at hesperian.org/mental-health

A square social media graphic with a light yellow/cream background and darker polkadots as the background. There is a ripped paper background behind the main text “What Is A Third Place?: Every community needs safe and free or inexpensive places that are neither home, work, or school to gather with friends or spend recreation time. These are called “third place”, and they can take many forms!” Below are different photographs of people enjoying these respective third places attached with tape and labeled: Cafe, Park, Church, Gym, Library, Public Pool. Bellow is text that reads “Gathering in community spaces can reduce isolation, anxiety, and distress, leading to improved collective mental health. Learn more in our HealthWiki: Hesperian.org/mental-health”

Did you know that having somewhere else to go aside from work, school, or home is important for your mental health? Public spaces, also called “third places” encourage socialization and community engagement. What are some of your favorite third places in your own community? #MentalHealth #HealthTips

An illustration of two people of indeterminate gender sitting underneath an umbrella. One person has their head in their hands looking upset with an emotion cloud emitting from their head, the other person has kind eyes and is holding up the umbrella to shield them both from rain drops. Text reads “If you feel something, say something. When you feel stuck or overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help. Even if it is difficult to talk about, opening up to someone you trust from school, church, your family, or even a counselor can help you feel less alone and start the process of getting the help you need.” Surrounding the people are word bubbles of quotes. “I’m having trouble sleeping” “I think I might have a drinking problem” “I’m overwhelmed by current events” “I don’t find joy in the things I used to love” “I’m worried I can’t afford next month’s rent” “Sometimes my partner scares me” “I’m struggling to meet expectations at work” “I’m having trouble concentrating”. Get more tips for promoting mental health in your community: Hesperian.org/mental-health

If you’re struggling, it’s okay to ask for help. Reach out to a friend, loved one, or trusted community member with what’s troubling you, and together you can work towards finding solutions. Always remember: you are not a burden, and you are not alone. #MentalHealth

A square social media graphic with an illustration of a girl with red hair in orange, yellow, and brown tones riding a bicycle moving left to right. The title of the graphic says “Simple Healthy Habits You Can Start Today. Next to the header is an illustration of an apple and a carrot. More text reads: “Building healthy habits takes time, but you can start with small, manageable changes in your daily life that promote better mental and physical health.” A list of habits follow: Walk 2-3 times a week, schedule friend visits, cook a new recipe, reduce screen time, drink more water. Get more community health tips at Hesperian.org/mental-health

Your journey to a healthier lifestyle starts with the first step, no matter how small. By keeping your goals reasonable, you’ll gain the confidence you need to build healthier habits that are more likely to stick. What are some healthier habits you’ve adopted? Share in the comments! #HealthTips

Thanks for bringing this to our attention! The editorial team has been notified and they will look into the issue with the PDF. In the meantime, you can access the information in all chapters of Helping Children Who Are Blind in our free HealthWiki: en.hesperian.org/hhg/Helping_...

An event flier divided in two. The right side of the image is a stack of books. The left half has an illustration of a person showing off a table full of books. The text reads: "June 1. Bay Area Book Festival. Visit our booth to learn how you can help us distribute free community health books to health workers, teachers, and community leaders in underserved communities through our Gratis Book Program." Below are the URLs "bayareabookfest.org" and "hesperian.org"

📚Mark your calendars!📚
Hesperian will be at the Bay Area Book Festival in Berkeley, CA on June 1.
Pick up our latest health resources in person, talk to health promoters, and learn how you can support community health and education through our Gratis Book Program.

A graphic that has a background photo of an old woman’s hands holding up two black and white photographs of two girls smiling and holding hands. The text reads: “Community Mental Health Tip: Preserve and Restore Historical Sites. Celebrate community history by marking or restoring sites with historical meaning, and involving elders to pass that history on to youth.” A URL is included: hesperian.org/mental-health

This Memorial Day weekend, remember that sustaining history and culture promote community mental health. That includes clean-up and repair as well as removing or replacing monuments symbolizing harmful or incomplete ways of telling history.

Get more mental health tips on Hesperian.org

Among the different parts of the book CERI's storytellers worked with was Chapter 2: Stresses Affect Mental Health which you can read for free or download as a chapter PDF here: en.hesperian.org/hhg/Promotin...

Partners from Center for Empowering Refugees & Immigrants are sharing powerful stories of community, tradition, and healing as part of our #mentalhealth #CoffeeChat

The Speak Out Sisterhood group worked with this chapter: "Helping Ourselves To Do This Work" which is available on Hesperian's free HealthWiki
en.hesperian.org/hhg/Promotin...

Speak Out Sisterhood is sharing stories from students about #MentalHealth including the importance of finding community and celebrating the little wins as part of Hesperian's #CoffeeChat

The Coffee Chat is starting now!

Less than 24 hours left to register for our free virtual chat on mental health!

A graphic showing an event flyer. Headline text says "Promoting Community Mental Health virtual Coffee Chat." Details are listed on the right: "May 22nd, 2025 11am PDT/2pm EDT” with an invitation below: “Join us on Zoom to learn about a new community mental health resource and how it is being used.” The logos for the host (Hesperian Health Guides) and two participating partner organizations (Speak Out Sisterhood and Center for Empowering Immigrants & Refugees) are listed along the bottom of the graphic.

There are only two days left until our free virtual Coffee Chat on mental health! Register below and join us May 22 to hear how our partners are using our new resource "Promoting Community Mental Health" in their work. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...