one HEARTGiving to one HEARTOne HEART's mission is to save the lives of Tibetan women and children, one birth at a time.
dispatches from the field

3.26.2009
No Maternal Deaths in One HEART's Target Area in 2008.
One HEART, in conjunction with the Lhasa Prefecture Health Bureau, is pleased to announce that for the first time ever, there were no maternal deaths in One HEART's target areas in 2008! One HEART works in two counties of the Lhasa Prefecture, Medro Gongkar and Dulong. When we began working in these areas, one in 33 women died in childbirth. With your generous support, One HEART will continue in its mission of saving the lives of women and children, one birth at a time.

2.13.2009
Skilled Birth Attendant Trained by One HEART Saves Mother and Baby.
On a recent field trip to Tashi Gang in Medro Gongkar County the One HEART team visited Health Care Worker Phurbu Drolma in the local Township Clinic. Phurbu Drolma was trained by One HEART as a skilled Birth Attendant in 2003. Phurbu Drolma shared her story of attending a birth in the home this year.

A Tibetan family called her to attend to a woman who had been in labor for three days. Before she reached the house and assessed the patient, she suspected prolonged and obstructed labor. Upon her arrival, Phurbu confirmed that the labor was obstructed. Following all the necessary steps for a safe birth, she inserted an I.V. infusion, packed the delivery kit and all the vital medical supplies, and prepared for immediate transfer by tractor to the county hospital many miles away. On the way, the woman delivered the baby safely with Phurbu's assistance but immediately went into shock. Phurbu's quick action and management of the mother's shock over the course of the trip to the county hospital saved the woman's life. Mother and baby made a speedy recovery, and have learned the importance of having a skilled birth attendant at every birth. Both would likely have died without the assistance of the skilled birth attendant.

Make a contribution to One HEART today.

1.30.2009
One HEART Provides Continuing Education for Skilled Birth Attendants.
For three weeks over December 2008 and January 2009, One HEART conducted the Annual Refresher Training for the Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) alumni. Over 42 SBA trained township and village doctors attended. During the five-day training the students covered subjects that extended their knowledge. Tibetan Obstetricians and the One HEART SBA program director, Mary Richards, provided training on normal prenatal care and labor management along with early recognition of high-risk pregnancies. Particular attention was focused on early transfer of the mother to higher health facilities and on the management of Obstetric emergencies. Role plays and scenarios were used to illustrate and practice these skills. The students had fun role playing as mothers in labor and generally enjoyed their week of training.

NEWS & EVENTS

9.21.2009
One HEART attends the Clinton Global Initiative!
One HEART was invited to attend the 5th annual Clinton Global Initiative Conference (CGI) in NYC this week.  One HEART is one of five maternal and child health organizations that will be spotlighted as a "Commitment to Action" honoree.  Watch the footage of Arlene Samen, Executive Director and Founder of One HEART, as she gets on stage with former President Bill Clinton. 

In addition to this honor, Arlene Samen has been nominated for the CNN Heroes Award, the Gates Foundation Award, the Rolex Humanitarian Award, and the Hilton Humanitarian Prize.  Arlene was also selected as one of this year's Rainer Arnhold Fellows.  For more information about the Rainer Arnhold Fellows program, visit their website.

9.15.2009
Celebrate Life with One HEART.
Save the lives of women and children by attending a One HEART event.  Please contact us to find out more information on upcoming events, 801.596.3317.

8.28.2009
Thank you for making the 5th annual
"Grateful HEART Gala" a success!

The Grateful HEART Gala, held on August 27th in Salt Lake City, raised over $50,000 for women and children!  Your open hearts and generous donations will allow One HEART to continue serving indigenous and at-risk women and children by bringing them life-saving education and training.  Together, we can turn back the tragic tide of birth-related deaths.  Thank you for your commitment to saving the lives of women and children.  Check back often for other great ways you can support One HEART.

Why Giving to One HEART Matters
Tibet suffers from some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. Many of these deaths are preventable, stemming from complications due to social, economic, and environmental barriers to receiving health care. One HEART addresses the causes and conditions of pregnancy-related deaths in collaborative, culturally appropriate, and sustainable ways. Your tax-deductible contribution will help save the lives of Tibetan women and children and preserve one of the world's most fragile cultures. Thank you for your support!