October 6, 2026 | Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico | Laura Marrero and IAD News Staff

Montemorelos University (UM) has expanded its Health and Hope Promoters Course to English-speaking participants, extending the training program to more communities across the Inter-American Division (IAD).

The latest session began September 9, and has brought together nearly 40 health professionals, students, pastors, church leaders and members from across the IAD territory, which includes Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia and Venezuela. Under the theme “Promoting Healthy Minds,” this year’s program places a special emphasis on mental health.

Nearly 40 participants from across the Inter-American Division take part in the Health and Hope Promoters Course, offered virtually via Zoom by Montemorelos University. [Photo: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash]
Adriel Vega, operational coordinator of the university’s Health Promoting University (UPS) program, said offering the course in English is intended to reach parts of the IAD territory where language has limited access to such training.

“In this way, we seek to make the training accessible to more territories and communities,” Vega said.

The six-module course, offered through Montemorelos University Virtual (UM Virtual), is scheduled to conclude Oct. 21. Participants have access to lectures, study materials, presentations and activities developed by the university. Attendance and completion of a final project are required for certification.

Science-based content

The curriculum combines science-based content with practical tools and activities designed to help participants identify local needs and promote physical, mental and spiritual health from a Christian perspective, according to program organizers.

Roel Cea, M.D., director of UPS, said the initiative is intended to prepare participants to become agents of change who can promote health, hope and well-being within their own communities.

The training is part of the Total Health Movement and the IAD’s “I Want to Live Healthy” strategy. It is a collaborative initiative involving Montemorelos University through UPS, its School of Psychology and UM Virtual, along with La Carlota Hospital and the IAD.

Franck Généus, M.D., health ministries director and president of Adventist Healthcare Services for the IAD, said the university’s participation provides academic and professional support for the program while integrating a biblical worldview and the Adventist health message.

 

“It is an opportunity to be better prepared to serve God and proclaim the gospel with professionalism and commitment to mission,” Généus said.

Taking the Training Into the Community

The English-language session follows the first course, offered in Spanish from April 1 to May 6, which drew 140 participants from countries across the IAD. As part of the practical component, each participant developed an initiative addressing needs in their community. University leaders said the training will be offered again next year.

The course is conducted virtually via Zoom. [Screenshot: Zoom]
Among them was Adriana Montejo, a literature evangelist in Mexico, who said the training gave her resources to better identify needs and support others.

“The tools helped me personally and motivated me to better serve those around me,” Montejo said.

Her proposed initiative includes small groups and emotional health clubs at a center of influence.

Glesy González, a general physician and church ministries leader in Nicaragua, developed plans for a mental health week with colleagues as well as a comprehensive community initiative involving her local church. González said the course strengthened her knowledge and motivated her to expand her health-promotion activities.

Participants in the English-language session will also receive follow-up after completing the course. Through the One Million platform, they will be able to register activities carried out in their communities and track the reach of their initiatives, according to organizers.

The course is also part of commitments recently renewed by Montemorelos University and the IAD through a collaborative agreement on strategic health projects. The agreement calls for three virtual sessions each year—one each in Spanish, English and French—through 2030, extending the training across the division’s multilingual territory.

Vega described the collaboration as “an opportunity for unity” among IAD institutions and communities and a way to work together in service to God.

Lisandra Vicente and Brenda Cerón contributed to this event.