Minnesota International Health Volunteers (MIHV) announces that as of January 1,  2010 it will be officially known as WellShare International better reflecting its mission and commitment to the communities it serves.

Minneapolis, Minn.—MIHV is changing its organizational name to better reflect its programs.  MIHV began as a volunteer-based organization in 1979 and has grown into a public health nonprofit with dedicated staff and volunteers working in both East Africa and Minnesota.   MIHV’s approach of utilizing the community health worker model as well as community-based partnerships and research, has proven highly effective. MIHV’s innovative programs deliver health solutions to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.  

Recent successes include: the creation of a nationally-distributed reproductive health booklet for providers on the topic of child spacing in the Somali community and the distribution of nearly 75,000 bed nets which will combat malaria in Uganda.  As MIHV makes this change to become WellShare International it is also making a recommitment to its mission, vision and values and the communities which contribute to and benefit from its work. 
MIHV will officially be known as WellShare International beginning January 1, 2010.  Please visit the new organizational website 

www.wellshareinternational.org after that date.  MIHV thanks its partners and donors for their continued support and asks that they remain connected to the organization during this exciting transformation. 

WellShare International will celebrate its new name and programs with a presentation and reception on February 2, 2010 from 3:30-5 pm at Tillie’s Bean (1931 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis).  To RSVP please email Marti Windram at mwindram@mihv.org.