Peruvian healthcare workers are bringing lifesaving newborn resuscitation skills to more underserved communities. In October, almost 80 new 19 regions Peruvian midwives and nurses learned how to expedite emergency care and interventions to critically ill newborns through the NRTP. These skills are crucial in Perú. We have seen mothers give birth without access to a medical professional, so their babies have little chance of survival. HBI’s ultimate goal is to ensure that every birth in Perú has at least one trained professional by 2030. Thanks to our supporters and partners, we are closer to realizing this vision.

“[HBI’s Train-the-Trainer] model puts an essential knowledge base, teaching resources, and some organizational support directly into the hands of trainers and regional nursing organization leaders. [It] also allows nurse professionals to gain [expanded] knowledge and competence at their own pace through [the] virtual courses, and [guides] trainers in creating and planning their hands-on workshops, [which is] a critical piece in learning basic resuscitation. Over 70 nurses were trained as newborn specialists for the program, representing 18 of the 28 regional Colleges of Nurses nationwide… HBI’s objective has always been to support the organizations in a collaborative rather than controlling fashion to facilitate the establishment of [every institution’s] own ongoing programs.” – Dr. Bob Gehringer, HBI Medical Director and NRTP Lead

The excitement around HBI’s latest CoE research highlights the importance of sharing our work with academic researchers and professional practitioners in child protection. We are grateful for the support that ensures our scientific approach protects Peruvian children and their futures.

• • Colorado: Denise Rahe and her friends sold over 100 tickets and raised $5,033.44 at the El Segundo Restaurant
• • Portland: The incredible fundraising team of Heidi, Lee, Courtney, Mary, and Jessica, who organized two events at the Andina restaurant and the Elk Cove Vineyards, raised $110,133, the highest donation of the events.
• • Wisconsin: Dr. Bob, Dr. Natalie Gehringer, and 50 other donors helped raise over $14,000.

In a bittersweet turn of events, we closed Casa Girasoles Ica in August 2024. Casa Girasoles Ica was a home filled with countless learning and memories for over 200 young and adolescent boys since 2011. HBI’s decision is responsive to the evolving child welfare landscape. Today, thanks to stronger family support systems, more children can thrive in nurturing and permanent homes. We remain committed to ensuring that every child will be reunited or connected to a well-vetted family member or secure environment. Please read this blog post to understand the factors behind our decision and transition plans.

Dr. Roberto Tarazona Ponte, HBI’s Perú Board President, recalls his visit with Antonio, a child who called Casa Girasoles Ica home for eight years. Antonio has since returned to Pisco to his family. Antonio shares love and positivity with his family, inspiring those around him with his unwavering spirit despite his mild developmental delays.

Dr. Ponte shared, “Antonio is one of our own, and we will continue to work so that he can achieve his autonomy and leadership. The young people who leave our Girasoles shelters must feel the love [and] solidarity of those who care for them. Rebuilding their lives from the fragments that family violence produced will always be a path that we want and must walk together.”