Blog Post

Global Health Spotlight on Extraordinary Healthcare Volunteers: Dr. Francine Atterberry 

Maryann Rose, HOPEww • Jul 30, 2020


Pediatrician Dr. Francine Atterberry’s journey of volunteer medical service with HOPE worldwide has taken her to regions of the world greatly affected by material poverty to serve children and families in need. Born in New York and educated at New Jersey Medical School, where she became a disciple of Jesus, Francine has served on multiple Health Brigades. Those experiences provided an invaluable perspective in her medical practice and her Christian life.

Francine began volunteering in pediatric medical care in 1997 when she served with a HOPE Medical Corps in Jamaica treating children suffering with HIV and AIDS. Moved and inspired, she went on to serve in Community Brigades in Honduras, Guatemala, Bolivia, Jamaica and Mexico, where material poverty and environmental factors severely impact children’s health. Poor water and air quality cause parasitic infections, severe asthma and skin disease. She also helped to educate families with children who have special needs who are often neglected due to poor social and educational infrastructures.


In each Brigade, the medical team did not simply come in and take over, but they worked hand-in-hand with local health professionals. A short-term volunteer service can foster mutual growth for a local church and community through the exchange of medical information within these enriching partnerships.

Francine has returned several times to Honduras--her son Chandler accompanied her on one of the trips. She witnessed many of those children she has treated grow into healthy young adults who now serve in their churches and communities. For her, this is the legacy of the Brigades.

Francine plans to serve on Brigades in Honduras, Jamaica and Mexico. She wants to bring more healthcare students on these Brigades to offer them life-altering training and a unique perspective in medical practice.

Now a resident of Los Angeles for twenty-six years and worshipping with that city’s Westside ministry, Francine is committed to prioritizing the needs of children she encounters in her community. Her experiences helped develop her conviction that serving the hurting children of this world is a responsibility we can all share.

Are you interested in using your time, talents and training as a healthcare professional to meet needs all over the world with HOPE worldwide ?

To learn more visit hopeww.org/volunteer-opportunities.

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PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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