Heal International

HEAL International is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 by Damien Salamone and Bertram Jacobs, both professors with ASU's School of Life Sciences. This organization empowers communities both in Arizona and Tanzania through initiatives run by a new generation of global health leaders looking to spur change at home and abroad.

As a collaboration between the School of Life Sciences, ASU Study Abroad and HEAL, the group regularly sends newly-trained ASU student facilitators to Tanzania. These students travel to Africa and work alongside local university students to create specific programs designed to break down HIV stigmas, develop public health solutions and build communities.

Upon returning to Arizona, HEAL’s student leaders continue to give back to the community in important areas such as women’s empowerment. Students are able to provide support for sex-trafficked children, and lead events promoting healthy relationships, HIV prevention and treatment.

In 2016, HEAL was instrumental in Phoenix joining the Fast Track Cities initiative to end AIDS as a health threat by 2030. Tanzanian programs have also grown. Partnerships with the country’s government, USAID and community trailblazers are breaking down HIV stereotypes, while new initiatives expand HEAL’s focus to women’s health empowerment. At home and abroad, programs are building bridges and there is space for everyone to make a difference.

As HEAL International continues its mission of providing health education and micro-grants to resource-limited areas in Arizona and Tanzania, we welcome support and involvement from our community members.

Discover the magnitude of the work happening in Tanzania by seeing the organization up close. Volunteers can travel to Arusha to spend time with the local Tanzanian leaders and the ASU students working alongside them. Those looking to impact local communities and youth in Arizona can get involved with programs operating across the Valley, or choose specific initiatives to support through donations.

To learn how you can support ASU and HEAL International’s mission at home and abroad, contact:

Brendan Cunningham
Assistant Director of Development
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
480-965-9133 or by email