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The Health and Educational Relief Organization (H.E.R.O.) is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing free, high-quality health care and educational support to underserved communities in the Caribbean. H.E.R.O. organizes annual medical and educational outreach programs with volunteer specialists in various fields of health care. It also runs a Literacy and Educational Support Program for elementary students, initially a summer tutoring initiative that helps struggling students achieve grade-level proficiency and provides backpacks and school supplies at no cost. Since 2016, the program has expanded to include a year-long pilot project to assist students in preparing for standardized exams.
Who We Are
Our History
In the Beginning
Founded in January 2000 by Dr. Wayne Sampson and Dr. Collie Oudkerk in Tallahassee, Florida, H.E.R.O. was originally called Health and Educational Relief for Guyana (HERG). The doctors were inspired to create the organization after volunteering at a local hospital in Guyana, where they witnessed the lack of quality healthcare. In 1999, Dr. Sampson proposed a plan to the Guyanese government to mobilize U.S.-based volunteer specialists for sustainable medical and educational programs in underserved communities. This proposal led to the establishment of H.E.R.O.
Our First Mission
Within a few years of its establishment, the organization expanded its focus to several Caribbean territories and attracted healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds. By 2010, HERG evolved into HERO, reflecting our transnational identity. HERO’s first medical relief mission to Guyana occurred in December 2000, involving Dr. Wayne Sampson, Dr. Collie Oudkerk, Dr. David Keen, and pre-med student Bayo Cary. This successful mission treated hundreds of patients who received medications and follow-up referrals. Since then, our annual missions to Guyana and other Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Haiti, have provided care to thousands and conducted hundreds of surgeries across various specializations. HERO also offers dental services and a Vision Care program, providing eyeglasses to many patients. We maintain close collaboration with local healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing support for our volunteers..
Committed to Our Mission
H.E.R.O. has grown rapidly since its inception, with a focused mission to provide free, high-quality healthcare and educational support services to communities in need. Our programs adapt to the complex challenges faced by these communities, thanks to the dedication of our medical and educational specialists. We envision a Caribbean where healthcare and educational opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background. With the support of our generous donors, we are working to make this vision a reality.