Every May, Mental Health Month reminds us that true health is more than physical—it’s emotional, too. For children facing surgery or complex medical issues, the healing journey isn’t just about treating the body. It’s about nurturing hope, resilience, and strength of spirit.
At World Pediatrics, we understand that medical trauma, fear of the unknown, and long recoveries can leave lasting emotional impacts. Children navigating life-changing surgeries often face anxiety, isolation, and a shifting sense of self. Parents and caregivers carry the heavy weight of uncertainty and exhaustion, all while trying to stay strong for their families.
Healing the emotional side of illness is essential. Support during these vulnerable times doesn’t just ease the journey—it helps shape a stronger, healthier future for every child and family.
Mental Health Program in Guatemala: Caring Beyond the Physical
In keeping with our Kids First value, World Pediatrics launched the Mental Health Program in Guatemala to ensure children in our craniofacial and spine programs receive the emotional support they need alongside their medical care. Through a dedicated team of psychologists, children are learning to manage fear, build resilience, and find confidence even through the most difficult experiences.
Caregivers are also provided with practical guidelines to help them better support their children’s emotional recovery at home, reinforcing the tools and strategies children learn during their sessions.
Impact So Far:
- In 2024, 23 children received a total of 219 counseling sessions.
- Already in 2025, 19 children have been supported through the program.
- On average, about 30 children receive over 300 sessions annually.
- Cost per session is just $20, making this vital support accessible to families who need it most.
True to our commitment to Equitable Access, this program ensures that emotional care isn’t limited by geography or economic barriers—it reaches families where they are, in the moments they need it most.
A Future Built on Compassionate Care
As we celebrate Mental Health Month, we honor the courage of every child and caregiver walking through medical challenges. And we reaffirm that healing is most powerful when we care for the whole person—body, mind, and heart.
Thanks to the strength of our global community, emotional health is becoming an inseparable part of the healing journey for more families each day.
By Romina Newman
Director, Marketing and Communications
World Pediatrics