November 2026

Dear friends,

HVO’s fortieth year is off to a strong start. Last month, we gathered in Thimphu, Bhutan, for a celebration of partnership. Staff, volunteers, and local partners spent a week together in workshops, meetings, and conversations honoring 35 years of shared work in Bhutan and planning for what comes next. I encourage you to check our blog over the next few weeks for updates from the events.

Our latest issue of the Volunteer Connection is here, and I encourage you all to read the reflections from volunteers and partners, stories of HVO's history, and information on our photo contest. I hope you enjoy the new design for our 40th anniversary.

I’m pleased to share that our website is getting an update. I encourage you to visit our new anniversary page, where you’ll find a look back at HVO’s history and news from our international events throughout the year.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving in the United States, I am reminded how grateful I am for all of you. Every training, every partnership, and every milestone this year reflects the commitment of our volunteers, partners, and donors. Thank you for being part of our story. 

Sincerely,

April

April Pinner, MSPH, RD

Executive Director

Celebrating 35 Years in Bhutan

HVO staff, board members, volunteers, and partners enjoyed an amazing week celebrating our long and productive collaboration in Bhutan. It was a joyous time to be together, reflect, and plan for the future. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more photos and stories from the visit.

HVO Embraces New Technology

We're inviting all HVO community members to submit photos that capture the spirit of your work: the teaching, the learning, the connection, the challenges, the small moments that stay with you. Winning photos will be featured on the HVO website, our social media, and may be be printed and displayed. 

Anesthesia, Ghana is recruiting anesthesiologists to provide in-person lectures and clinical training to anesthesia practitioners. Topics include interventional pain management and regional anesthesia. Interested volunteers should contact Natalie Cary.

Mental Health, Bhutan is recruiting in-person and virtual volunteers licensed in psychology, psychotherapy, and clinical social work to support grief and bereavement counseling training for palliative care nurses. Interested applicants should contact Lauren Franklin.