Improving Access to Health

Working every day to improve health throughout the United States and the world.

Mission Statement

Heart to Heart International seeks to improve healthcare access in the U.S. and around the world by ensuring quality care is provided equitably in medically under-resourced communities and in disaster situations.

Vision Statement

We imagine a world in which every person has access to a healthy life and every community has the capacity to make that access a reality. We believe that sustained access to health sets the foundation for individual and community development. In everything we do, we work to broaden access to healthcare services and build capacity for health.

How it Started

We have grown tremendously since our founding in 1992. The nonprofit organization began by sending 75 tons of critical medical supplies from the middle of America to the middle of Russia. This is where the name “Heart to Heart” came from. The work continued with more airlifts of medicine and supplies around the world. These included shipments to Vietnam, India, China, and countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union.

Now, our work as a Kansas City nonprofit has expanded our reach even more. We help improve health around the world in a multitude of ways. We support under-resourced communities with health resources and distribute essential medicines and supplies to health partners worldwide. We also upgrade lab capabilities in U.S. clinics and deploy crucial medical aid during disasters.

The legacy of that first “heart to heart” delivery continues to inspire our work today. We remain a global medical nonprofit with a commitment to expanding health access and providing critical support wherever it’s needed most.

Humanitarian Principles Guide Our Work

Our work is firmly rooted in the internationally recognized humanitarian principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, and Independence.

Our commitment begins with Humanity, the central belief that all human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found, and extends through Impartiality, ensuring that aid is delivered strictly on the basis of need, without regard to nationality, race, gender, religious belief, class, or political opinion. We maintain Neutrality, meaning we do not take sides in political or ideological controversies, and Independence, ensuring our sole objective is the relief of suffering, free from any political, economic, or military influence.

This principled approach allows us to uphold the dignity of every person we serve and focus solely on our mission to provide life-saving health and hope to all people in need.

What Does Our Logo Mean?

Every element of our logo is crafted to communicate the heart of our mission:

Connection and Compassion (The Figures):
The red shape shows one figure reaching toward the other, symbolizing the direct, compassionate human connection that defines our work. This outreach represents our dedication to meeting people where they are.
The Heart of Humanity (The Hearts):
Look closely at the negative space between the figures—it forms two hearts. This design feature anchors our name, Heart to Heart International, and reminds us that love, empathy, and care are the driving forces behind everything we do.
A Global Commitment (The Circle):
The sturdy, encompassing circle represents the worldwide scope of our mission. It reinforces our commitment to global health equity and ensuring our aid extends to every community in need.

Our Values

Passion

We are passionate about creating a healthier world. We vigorously mobilize as many volunteers, partners, and donors as possible to make healthcare more accessible for all people. We will work relentlessly until everyone has access to a healthy life.

Sustainability

Success is found in empowering communities to develop and maintain self-sufficient healthcare systems. We focus on helping communities move from the point of survival to the path of sustainability.

Inclusion

Equity in healthcare is dependent on creating space for a diverse set of voices to engage in this work. We strive to bring together a broad array of people, especially those who might otherwise be excluded.

Partnership

We know that we are stronger, more efficient and more effective when we work with others locally and globally to deliver on our vision of a healthier world. We leverage partnerships for greater results.

Enterprising

We are at our best when the need is at its greatest. We overcome challenges and obstacles by mobilizing our global network to find innovative solutions and efficiently deliver humanitarian services to a world in need. We make things happen.