Heartland Alliance International (HAI) implements programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and in Chicago at the Marjorie Kovler Center. As HAI responds to multiple crises across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic puts all of our participants at heightened risk of infection, including women and girls, LBGTQI+ individuals, internally displaced persons, stateless populations, survivors of torture and trafficking, and immigrant and refugee adults, children, and families.
During these turbulent and uncertain times, the safety and well-being of our employees, participants, and volunteers is our topmost priority, and we know that our services are an important part of that safety. HAI is taking steps to help slow the potential spread of the virus while also ensuring participants receive the critical care they need.
- In Latin America and the Caribbean, HAI’s services in Colombia and the Dominican Republic have not been disrupted. We have, however, slowed down significantly with staff operating from home and providing telehealth services.
- In the Middle East and North Africa, HAI works in Iraq and Lebanon where there is a region-wide lock down. In compliance with the lock down, HAI’s employees are working remotely and providing virtual services. Various sites are still operational for emergency services and high-risk cases that require forensic doctor assistance during which only two staff members come to the center to assist in order to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. All centers are also equipped with the necessary preventative equipment, including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and digital thermometers. Messages are consistently broadcasted to participants to raise awareness from reliable sources on COVID-19 through a WhatsApp hotline number.
- In Sub-Saharan Africa, HAI’s programs in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have transitioned to working remotely and providing teleservices where internet connectivity allows.
- In accordance with Governor J.B. Pritzker’s “shelter-in-place” order, the Marjorie Kovler Center in Chicago closed effective March 21, 2020 and will remain closed until government and health officials deem it safe to open our doors again. All contact activities, including cooking group, acupuncture, and massage therapy are also cancelled in accordance with the Governor’s order. The Kovler Center transitioned all staff and volunteers to remote work and has shifted to providing telehealth services to participants who need them. These services include psychiatry, psychotherapy, primary care, and case management. Read more about the Kovler Center’s response to COVID-19 here.
HAI remains committed to serving our participants, the majority of whom require more medical attention but face the most barriers to healthcare access.
“Given the importance of our services, we cannot suspend activities. We must instead redesign and reshape our programs to fit the unique needs of our participants and the developing COVID-19 landscape.“ – Surita Sandosham, Executive Director
More ways to get involved
- Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on the latest developments with our work.
- Share stories of our courageous participants and employees, and help us spread accurate information about how to keep vulnerable populations safe from COVID-19.
- Make a gift to help employees across the Alliance provide access to critical supportive services to those who are most vulnerable.
- Donate homemade masks to help fight COVID-19.
We are grateful for the support and care you have for the individuals we serve, and for our employees who are on the frontlines every day.
