Mission

The Hesperian Foundation is a non-profit publisher of books and newsletters for community-based health care. It promotes health and self-determination in poor communities worldwide by making health information accessible. Hesperian publications are written simply and include many illustrations so people with little formal education can understand, apply and share medical information. Developed collaboratively with health workers and groups from around the world, its books and newsletters address the underlying social, political, and economic causes of poor health, and suggest ways groups can organize to improve health conditions in their communities.

Issues

Air pollution, Child health, Community health, Community organizing, Environmental racism, Pesticides, Recycling, Sanitation, Transportation, Toxics, Urban Sprawl, U.S./Mexico border, Waste disposal, Water pollution, Worker safety

Activities

Research, Publishing, Public speaking

Programs/
Projects

Hesperian currently has several books in development, each of which focuses on community health and empowerment. One project in particular, A Community Guide to Environmental Health, will be a manual to help low-income communities in their struggles for environmental health and justice. It also runs two current projects. The Creative Education Program helps grassroots organizations in poor countries develop creative, original health education activities to benefit women. The Gratis Book Program provides thousands of books yearly to caregivers and community health educators who otherwise would not have access to Hesperian books.

Constitutency

Multi-ethnic, low-income

Geographical Focus

International

Staff

25

Volunteers

100

Membership Base

Low-income, Urban, Rural, Coalition, People of color, Grassroots

Publications

2 newsletters: "Women's Health Exchange" (in English)/"Saludos," (in Spanish) and The Hesperian Foundation News. Eight books (Publications list available.) All publications available in English and Spanish.

Annuual Budget

$500,000 - $1,000,000

Year Founded

1977